Governance Board
The West Coast Aquatic Governance Board (previously known as the Regional Aquatic Management Board) was formed in 2001 through a Terms of Reference developed by First Nations, governments, and stakeholders. Comprised of representatives from the federal, provincial and regional governments, Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, commercial harvest, aboriginal harvest, sport/recreational harvest, aquaculture, environment, labour, processing, tourism/recreation, marine transportation and forestry, the Board provides a forum for coastal communities and other bodies to work more closely with governments to implement an ecosystem approach to aquatic resource management. Engaged, thoughtful dialogue and consensus recommendations of the Board support policymaking and define strategic priorities for our projects, partnerships and research.
Next Governance Board Meeting :
10 am – 3 pm, Nov. 2, 2017
"The Thunderbird" - Uchucklesaht Building. 5251 Argyle St. Port Alberni
Current Issues
Issues that the Board is currently discussing include the proposed WCVI Offshore Marine Protected Area, Pacific Salmon Treaty, supporting ecosystem based decision-making, and fisheries management related to southern resident killer whales.
Board meeting summaries can be accessed here.
Our Work
Board Members
Government |
Name |
Member Since |
Alternate |
| Parks Canada | Renee Wissink | 2011 | Jennifer Yakimishyn |
| Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations |
Charlie Short | 2011 | Bill Zinovitch |
| Agriculture Science and Policy Division (Marine Fisheries and Seafood Policy) |
TBA | TBA | |
| Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District | Tony Bennett | 2005 | Josie Osborne |
| Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District | Keith Wyton | 2015 | Josie Osborne |
| Ahousaht | Kiista (Keith) Atleo | 2015 | Trevor Jones |
| Ditidaht | Carl Edgar | 2015 | |
| Hesquiaht | Stephanie Charleson | 2016 | |
| Hupacasath | Steve Tatoosh | 2015 | Graham Murrell |
| Maa-nulth | David Johnsen | 2016 | |
| Nuchatlaht | TBA | 2015 | |
| Tla-o-qui-aht | Saya Masso | 2016 | Andrew Jackson |
| Tseshaht | Luke George | 2015 | Richard Watts |
Observer Status |
|||
| DFO | Laura Brown | 2016 | Wilf Luedke |
| Environment Canada | Andrea Wenham | 2015 | |
Interest |
Name |
Member Since |
Alternate |
| Commercial Harvesting | Dan Edwards | 2016 | Doug Kimoto |
| Processing | Christina Burridge | 2006 | Chris Cue |
| Recreational Harvesting | Marilyn Scanlan | 2006 | Bob Cole |
| Aboriginal Harvesting | Larry Johnson | 2006 | |
| Aquaculture | Odd Grydeland | 2002 | Carol Schmitt |
| Environment | Sabine Jessen | 2006 | Ariane Batic |
| Tourism | Bill Collette | 2016 | |
| Labour | Jim McIsaac | 2012 | Richard Webb |
| Marine Transportation | Dave McCormick | 2014 | Recruiting |
| Forestry | TBA | TBA |
West Coast Aquatic seeks to produce innovative solutions to coastal concerns, and strengthen the understanding and relationships between parties that share a common interest in the health and wealth of aquatic resources, businesses, and communities. West Coast Aquatic is comprised of: a collaborative governance board that brings together governments, key sectors and communities to develop consensus-based outcomes for marine resources on the West Coast of Vancouver Island; a management association that provides technical and administrative support to the activities of the governance board; and a charitable organization that administers stewardship activities.