The Sea Has Many Voices: Oceans Policy for a Complex World

The Sea has Many Voices examines oceans policy in the making. The contributors believe that Canadian oceans policy-making to date has been reactive, susceptible to pressure from special interest groups, and lacking in continuity or consistency. Each chapter describes the dynamics or tensions within a specific marine sector or policy community. Collectively, the contributors raise critical questions about the process, structure, and function of Canadian oceans policy, covering topics such as the Atlantic fishery, conservation, ocean science and technology, shipping, aboriginal rights, defence, and pollution. The book conveys a cautiously optimistic message: although Canada does not yet have a comprehensive oceans policy, there is growing evidence that the problem, policy, and political streams are converging. Canada must be ready to respond to this policy opportunity with clear objectives and appropriate programme elements that mediate between competing interests and conflicting values. Those who construct Canada’s oceans policy must be capable of calculating risks and challenging the status quo to create a workable, sustainable framework for oceans governance in our increasingly complex world. The contributors to this collection are Robert Boardman, Darlene Boyle, Mark Butler, Scott F. Coffen, Raymond P. Cote, Graham Day, Lloyd M. Dickie, Gaye Drescher, Wade Elliot, Terry Fenge, Julia Gardner, Robert Gorham, Cynthia Lamson, Josee M. Parent, Randall Prime, Barbara Riley, Timothy A. Smith, John Somers and Jeffrey L.C. Wright.