From 1995-2001, leaders from diverse governments, businesses, and communities in the West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) region began conversations about fundamental questions related to natural resource management. In 2001, these conversations led to the formation of the West Coast Aquatic Governance Board (previously known as the Regional Aquatic Management Board and the West Coast Vancouver Island Aquatic Management Board) via a Terms of Reference developed by First Nations, governments, and stakeholders.

The Board was the first integrated ecosystem body recognized under Canada's Oceans Act and one of the first of its kind in the world. 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’s purpose was to provide a forum for coastal communities and other bodies to work more closely with governments to implement an ecosystem-based approach to aquatic resource management. One of the key, early accomplishments of the Board was the completion of the WCVI Coastal Strategy, which was built upon the knowledge and information from over 700 people and groups, and at the time represented one of the most comprehensive assessments of coastal challenges in the world.

In 2004, the West Coast Aquatic Management Association (WAMA) was legally incorporated, predominantly to serve as the technical and administrative secretariat to the WCA Governance Board.