Marine Use Plan

Overview

A Marine Use Plan is a type of planning document used by First Nations, provincial governments, federal governments, and even international governing bodies (e.g., the United Nations). It can take on many different forms but aims to outline different types of marine ecosystems and how they will be used for cultural, conservation, economic, and harvest needs. While federal and provincial governments often focus on economic opportunities, resource management and extraction, and research, many Indigenous communities ground their Marine Use Plans in traditional teachings, respect for the land and water, and stewardship of all living things.

Given Malahat's strong cultural history as well as currently expanding economic ventures, this Marine Use Plan will take a varied approach and identify the diverse forms of use the Nation takes on within the marine environment. This will include but is not limited to:

Resource Management and Harvest
Research and Stewardship
Co-Governance
Economic Opportunities
Community Engagement and Education

Research for Malahat's Marine Use Plan began in July 2025. Following the compiling of historical, cultural, ecological, social, and economic context, a draft Marine Use Plan will be presented in a technical meeting within the Lands and Environment Department. Following the technical revisions, a draft will be presented to the SXÁ,XE, ḰO Working Group for guidance, before preparing a final draft for the Malahat community.

This will be a living document, meant to adapt and change over time as projects are completed, goals are met, and priorities shift.

The ultimate aims of the Plan are to:

Create more transparency for the community about how Malahat marine territory is used.
Create a framework for stewardship decision making within the Marine Stewardship Department.

Project Contacts

Benjamin Fortini

Director of Marine Stewardship

benjamin.fortini@malahatnation.com

Kate Mussett

Program Lead

kate.mussett@malahatnation.com

Project Timeline

Phase 1: Background Research and Story Gathering
In Progress
Aug 2025 - Ongoing
This phase focuses on gathering information through research and storytelling about Malahat's marine use. This has included stories and interviews from Malahat and W̱SÁNEĆ Elders, specifically from the Trans Mountain Pipeline Traditional Use Study, stories from W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, and research from W̱SÁNEĆ scholars and story tellers, such as Saltwater People. Scientific research has focused on on coastal geomorphology, marine fisheries, freshwater ecology, oceanography, cumulative effects, and anthropogenic interactions in the marine environment. Cultural and scientific research has also been supplemented with histories of colonization, marine management, and Crown jurisdiction of marine and freshwater systems.
Phase 2: Technical Reviews
In Progress
Oct 2025 - Ongoing
This phase centers presentation of research findings and drafts through internal reviews with Malahat staff from the Economic Development Department, the Lands and Environment Department, the Marine Stewardship Department, and the Guardians teams. These phase also includes reviews and consultation with marine spatial planning experts, artists, and knowledge holders. Feedback from these reviews will be incorporated into a more completed draft.
Phase 3: Community Engagement
Not Started
Ongoing - Ongoing
Each phase of the project will include community engagement to accurately reflect the histories, goals, and needs of Malahat. Following technical reviews, a draft of the Marine Use Plan will be shared with the SXÁ,XE, ḰO Working Group, the Elders committee, and then to the wider community at a community event/dinner.
Phase 4: Draft Presentation
Not Started
Ongoing - Ongoing
Following internal reviews and community meetings, feedback will be incorporated into a final draft. This draft will then be presented to the wider community, and will include and Implementation Plan. Any additional feedback will be incorporated before publishing and beginning action and implementation.
Phase 5: Marine Use Plan Publication
Not Started
Ongoing - Ongoing
Once finalized, the Marine Use Plan will be published to the Malahat community and wider W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Stewardship teams through a community event in celebration of its completion. Dates for this and other community events to be determined as planning progresses.