The Government of Canada stated that it supports a new maritime information system pilot project in partnership with the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee. Via the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is collaborating with Indigenous people, local stakeholders and coastal communities to protect Canada’s unique marine environment from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
On May 2, Michael McLeod Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport announced the amount of $506,683 in support of the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee to participate in a pilot project to develop, test, and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system.
This national project is a crucial feature of the Oceans Protection Plan’s Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative.
The web-based pilot system is expected to be launched in spring 2019.
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The pilot will display a variety of near real-time marine information, such as data on vessel traffic, weather, and marine protected areas.
The Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee, is amongst 10 Canadian Indigenous organisations, that in collaboration with the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation, will test the system, provide feedback, and apply their local and traditional knowledge to improve and develop the system.
The funding will enable partners to install Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment on community vessels to gather data for the project, while incorporating local and traditional information into the system to support enhanced marine safety and local decision-making.
As the Government of Canada highlights, the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, is the largest investment ever made to protect the Canadian coasts and waterways.
Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, commented
Under the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness Initiative and Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is taking an innovative approach to improve our maritime awareness. As a result of this innovation and collaboration, our marine safety system is stronger now than ever.
