Abstract
The Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management (ESSIM) Initiative was the first integrated oceans management initiative with an offshore focus under Canada’s Oceans Act. From 1998 to 2006, the main focus of the ESSIM Initiative was the development of an Integrated Ocean Management Plan to provide long - term direction and commitment for integrated, ecosystem-based and adaptive management of all marine activities in or affecting the Eastern Scotian Shelf. The resulting Plan was organized in terms of three over - arching goals of Collaborative Governance and Integrated Management, Sustainable Human Use, and Healthy Ecosystems. From 2006-2011, the focus of the ESSIM Initiative was on the implementation of the objectives and management strategies associated with the Plan’s three goals.
This report presents the results of a comprehensive evaluation and review of the ESSIM Initiative. The main objectives of this evaluation and review are to assess the achievements and progress of the ESSIM Initiative in accordance with the goals of the Plan, review the lessons learned from the process, and provide recommendations for future integrated oceans management in the Maritime Provinces.