A comparison of approaches for integrated management in coastal marine areas of Canada with the historical approach used in the Great Lakes (Bay of Quinte)

Canadian approaches for ecosystem-based management in coastal marine areas, prompted by Canada's Oceans Act, are similar to and consistent with the long-standing, integrated management of the Bay of Quinte in Lake Ontario. The similarities include the criteria for the identification of ecologically significant areas and habitat, degraded areas, ecologically significant species, depleted or rare species, conservation objectives and ecological indicators to assess the status of ecosystem components. The rationale for integrated management in the Bay of Quinte is compared to marine areas, using the terminology that has been adopted for ocean area-based management in Canada. The three overarching goals of maintaining productivity, preserving biodiversity and protecting habitat are common to both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Communication of science priorities is mutually beneficial for advancing integrated management in both ecosystem types. Identifying the Bay of Quinte as a coastal management area by Great Lakes agencies, using elements of the oceans framework, would demonstrate a transition from a negative (degraded area) to a positive ecosystem status (essential habitat with high productivity and biodiversity).