Horizontal initiative – Oceans Protection Plan

On this page

General information

Name of horizontal initiative: Oceans Protection Plan

Lead department: Transport Canada

Federal partner departments:

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
  • Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)
  • Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
  • Health Canada (HC)

Start date of the horizontal initiative: November 2016; renewal date: July 19, 2022

End date of the horizontal initiative: March 31, 2031

Description of the horizontal initiative: The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) continues to advance measures to prevent and respond to marine pollution incidents, address abandoned, wrecked, and hazardous vessels, and take action to restore coastal habitats and mitigate the impact of vessel operations on marine ecosystems.

Through the OPP, Transport Canada (TC) and OPP-partner departments are taking action to improve marine safety and enforce responsible shipping practices. These contributions are helping to:

  • protect Canada’s waters and marine environment;
  • restore and protect marine ecosystems and habitats; and,
  • improve collaboration with Indigenous and coastal communities.

Governance structures: An interdepartmental senior management oversight committee is in place to:

  • maintain oversight of activities;
  • facilitate coordination amongst departments;
  • and provide strategic direction on the OPP.

The committee is responsible for reviewing the interdepartmental reporting structure and overseeing the interdepartmental delivery of the OPP.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars): $2.03 billion Footnote 1 (cash)

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars): $2.03 billion (cash)

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars): $693.97 million

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative: July 19, 2022

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars): $2.03 billion (cash) through Budget 2022

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars): Not applicable.

Total planned spending since the last renewal: $2.03 billion

Total actual spending since the last renewal: $693.97 million

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2026-27

Performance highlights:

Over the course of 2024–25, work under all 4 pillars of the OPP advanced. Under the Marine Safety pillar, TC published new Environmental Response Regulations in the Canada Gazette Part 1 and received extensive feedback from industry stakeholders, Indigenous groups, and responders. Through DFO’s Modern Hydrography Advancing Arctic Surveying and Charting and Indigenous Community-Based Hydrographic Data Collection initiative continued building capacity with Indigenous and coastal communities. High-resolution bathymetric surveys were conducted at various targeted locations throughout the Arctic to increase Modern Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) coverage and to improve the safety of navigation.

Work under the Protecting and Restoring Marine Ecosystems pillar was advanced, including the implementation of a domestic ban on Heavy Fuel Oil use by vessels in the Arctic, which came into force on July 1, 2024. Through the Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping initiative, TC conducted engagement activities with First Nations communities to gather information and local knowledge that will inform ongoing subregional assessments of the impacts of marine shipping activity. An underwater noise workplan was co-developed with the Victoria Island Waterway Safety Committee to develop options for mitigating the impacts of underwater noise on Arctic char and marine mammals in Cambridge Bay. Through DFO’s Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Fund initiative, 15 additional contribution agreements were finalized and signed, bringing the total number of projects to be completed by March 2027 to 45, further supporting the protection and restoration of Canada’s marine ecosystems.

In 2024-25, work under the Strengthening the Evidence Base pillar progressed, including NRCan’s Multi-Partner Research Initiative (MPRI). Through the MPRI initiative, NRCan has allocated $20.3M to 28 oil spill science research projects to be completed by 2027, and in the past year, 14 scientific research products were published through this funding support. Under the Advancing Evidence-Based Decisions Through Environmental Data initiative, two papers were published on the importance of seabird data to indicate vulnerability to threats and ecosystem change, and data collection activities on shoreline mapping and marine bird tracking were conducted in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic regions.

Through 2024–25, initiatives under the Advancing Indigenous Partnerships and Engaging Canadians have continued to enable relationship building, engagement, partnership development, collaboration, and co-development with Indigenous Peoples. To support the government’s commitment to Reconciliation, TC and CCG continued its development of an overarching framework for collaborative governance with Indigenous Peoples by identifying shared goals, encouraging proactive involvement, and providing opportunities to advance Canada’s marine safety system. The Regulatory Roundtable initiative has successfully created Tables in all coastal regions, with continued interest from over 70 Indigenous organizations to participate.

Contact information: Fabien Lefebvre, A/Director General, Ocean Protection Plan, fabien.lefebvre@tc.gc.ca, 613-301-9920.

Manager: Jennifer Barry, jennifer.barry@tc.gc.ca

Shared outcomes

The negative impacts of marine traffic are reduced

Name of theme Enhancing Marine Safety Footnote 2 Protecting and Restoring Marine Ecosystems Strengthening the Evidence Base Advancing Indigenous Partnerships and Engaging Canadians Internal Services Footnote 3
Theme outcomes Federal marine safety system capable of preventing and responding to marine emergencies, responding to a broader range of pollution, and planning for recovery from marine oil spills Marine ecosystems are restored, and proactive measures are in place for the ongoing protection against the impacts of marine shipping Scientific information and capacity for expert analysis is available to inform decisions related to the prevention, prediction, and response of marine incidents, as well as to guide ecosystem protection Indigenous Peoples are meaningfully participating and have a role in the marine safety system and ecosystem protection. Not applicable
TC $525.5M $139.4M $1.0M $43.8M $68.9M
DFO $710.2M $242.4M $93.5M $11.3M $95.4M
ECCC $131.1M $7.6M $84.1M   $13.3M
NRCan $3.5M   $30.3M   $1.3M
HC $9.4M       $0.8M

Performance information

Horizontal initiative overview

Name of horizontal initiative: Oceans Protection Plan

Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*: $2.03B

2024-25 planned spending: $327.8M

2024-25 actual spending: $282.27M

Horizontal initiative shared outcome: The negative impacts of marine traffic are reduced

2024–25 Performance indicators Targets Date to achieve target 2024–25 actual results
Increase in confidence amongst Indigenous Peoples and Canadians that the impacts from marine traffic on marine ecosystems have been reduced and that marine habitats and species are protected 5% increase of survey respondents are confident in Canada’s marine safety system from the end of 2022. Every two years beginning in FY 2023-24 8% increase
Reduction in the volume of marine pollution spills over 10 litres detected Less than 6,490 litres March 2025 1,401 litres
Ten-year marine accident rate (average per year, per 1000 commercial vessels) less than 10 per 1,000 commercial vessels March 2031 6.13 accidents per 1,000 active commercial vessels
Measures are in place to reduce the impacts of marine safety incidents, marine shipping, vessels of concern and vessel traffic on marine ecosystems Eight measures in place March 2031 5 measures in place
Square meters of aquatic habitat in marine and coastal areas of Canada that have been restored 700 million square meters restored March 2027 3,204 square meters
% Increase in involvement of Indigenous Peoples throughout the marine safety system A 25% increase of interested Indigenous groups in Canada’s marine safety system March 2031 42% increase
*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme horizontal initiative activities

Theme 1 - Enhancing marine safety

Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*: $1,379.7M

2024-25 federal theme planned spending:

2024-25 federal theme actual spending:

  • TC: $54.16M
  • DFO/CCG: $81.49M
  • ECCC: $15.38M
  • NRCan: $0.58M
  • HC: $0.95M
  • Total: $152.57M

Theme outcome: Federal marine safety system capable of preventing and responding to marine emergencies, responding to a broader range of pollution, and planning for recovery from marine oil spills

Theme performance indicators Theme targets Date to achieve theme target 2024-25 actual results
% of authorities sought to close gaps and strengthen marine safety and environmental protection receive Royal Assent. 100% March 2027 60%
% of responses to environmental incidents that meet established standards 100% every year, ongoing Annual 100% of responses to environmental incidents that meet established standards
% of search and rescue responses that meet established standards 99% every year, ongoing Annual 99.3% of search and rescue responses met established standards in 2024-25
# of distinct (coastal and inland) communities that have increased marine safety capacity from the Oceans Protection Plan At least 50 distinct communities April 2025 102 distinct communities

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 1 - Enhancing Marine Safety - horizontal initiative activities

Departments Link to the department’s program inventory Horizontal initiative activity (activities) Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal[*] 2024-25 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity expected results 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity performance indicators 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity targets Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target 2024-25 actual Results
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Legislative and Regulatory Modernization $13.51M / 5 years $2.68M $2.12M ER 1.1 PI 1.1 T 1.1 March 2027 98.54%
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Mandate to Negotiate the Repeal of the Great Lakes Agreement, 1973 No Funding No Funding No Funding ER 1.1 PI 1.1 T 1.1 March 2027 98.54%

TC

DFO

CCG

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Enhanced Navigational Safety Assessment Program

TC: $21.23M / 9 years, $2.37M Ongoing

DFO/CCG $24.41M / 9 years, $2.65M Ongoing

Total: $45.64M / 9 years, $5.01M Ongoing

TC: $2.29M

DFO/CCG $2.71M

Total: $5.00M

TC: $1.26M

DFO/CCG: $2.06M

Total: $3.32M

ER 1.1 PI 1.1 T 1.1 March 2027 98.54%
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Active Vessel Traffic Management (Anchorages) $2.24M / 3 years $0.78M $0.83M ER 1.1 PI 1.1 T 1.1 March 2027 98.54%
DFO/CCG (Canadian Hydrographic Services) Protecting Oceans and Waterways Modern Hydrography $84.01M / 9 years, $3.94M Ongoing $15.69M $15.81M ER 1.2 PI 1.2.1 PI 1.2.2 T 1.2.1 T 1.2.2

March 2027

March 2027

30.60%

51.7%

TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways National Pilotage Certification Program $1.12M / 2 years No Funding -$0.02M ER 1.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Office of Boating Safety (OBS) $29.78M / 9 years, $2.72M Ongoing $4.55M $3.50M ER 1.2 PI 1.2.3 T 1.2.3 Annual 67.8%
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways National Aerial Surveillance Program’s (NASP) Complex and Augmenting the NASP $54.09M / 9 years; $2.8M ongoing $1.44M $2.31M ER 1.3 PI 1.3.1 T 1.3.1 March 2027 100%
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Strengthening and Modernizing Canada’s Domestic Vessel Oversight Regime $28.28M / 5 years $6.38M $3.81M ER 1.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Strengthen the Port State Control, including Tanker Inspections - Modernization of the Mandatory Regulatory Cargo Inspection Program $41.02M / 9 years, $4.18M Ongoing $4.95M $5.06M ER 1.3 PI 1.3.2 T 1.3.2 March 2024 Complete
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Administration of the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act $1.99M / 9 years, $0.22M Ongoing $0.22M $0.20M ER 1.3 N/A N/A N/A N/A

TC DFO/CCG

Environmental Response, Aquatic Ecosystem Science, Fish and Fish Habitat Protection,

ECCC

Substances and Waste Management,

HC

Health Impacts of Chemicals, NRCan

Energy Innovation and Clean Technology

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS)

TC: $8.39M / 9 years, $0.86M Ongoing

DFO/CCG: $75.19M / 9 years, $7.83M Ongoing

ECCC: $17.36M/ 9 years, $1.89M Ongoing

HC: $3.05M / 9 years, $0.33M Ongoing

NRCan: $3.52M/ 5 years

Total: $107.51M/ 9 years; $10.9M Ongoing

TC:

$1.46M

DFO/CCG: $13.13M

ECCC: $2.69M

HC: $0.33M

NRCan: $0.71M

Total: $18.32M

TC: $0.94M

DFO/CCG: $7.71M

ECCC: $2.33M

HC: $0.31M

NRCan: $0.58M

Total: $11.87M

ER 1.4 PI 1.4.1 T 1.4.1 March 2027 0%

TC

DFO/CCG (Environmental Response)

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Marine Pollution Preparedness and Response (MPPR)

TC: $48.94M / 9 years, $4.95M Ongoing

DFO/CCG: $12.38M / 5 years

Total: $61.32M / 9 years; $4.95M Ongoing

TC: $6.28M

DFO/CCG: $2.42M

Total: $8.70M

TC: $3.56M

DFO/CCG: $1.82M

Total: $5.38M

ER 1.4 PI 1.4.2 T 1.4.2 March 2027 0%

TC

DFO/CCG

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Enhanced Marine Emergency Management (EMEM)

TC: No Funding

DFO/CCG: $7.63M / 9 years, $1.04M Ongoing

TC: No Funding

DFO/CCG: $0.61M

TC: No Funding

DFO/CCG: $0.23M

ER 1.4 PI 1.4.2 T 1.4.2 March 2027 0%
TC DFO/CCG Protecting Oceans and Waterways Places of Refuge (POR)

TC: $10.97M / 9 years, $1.23M Ongoing

DFO/CCG: $5.89M / 9 years

Total: $16.86M / 9 years; $1.23M Ongoing

TC:

$1.19M

DFO/CCG: $1.40M

Total: $2.59M

TC: $0.92M

DFO/CCG: $1.12M

Total: $2.04M

ER 1.4 PI 1.4.3 T 1.4.3 March 2027 40%
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Integrated Data Fusion and Analytical Capacity $6.18M / 9 years, $0.64M Ongoing $0.69M $0.56M ER 1.4 PI 1.4.4 T 1.4.4 March 2027 50% increase

DFO/CCG

Search

& Rescue

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Risk-Based Analysis of Maritime Search and Rescue Delivery (RAMSARD) $19.1M / 9 years, $2.33M Ongoing $2.22M $1.89M ER 1.4 PI 1.4.5 T 1.4.5 Annual 9 area reviews, 8 reports

DFO/CCG

Environmental Response, TC

ECCC Migratory Birds and other Wildlife, Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships, Substances and Waste Management,

HC

Health Impacts of Chemicals

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Integrated Marine Response Planning program

DFO/CCG: $246.29M / 9 years, $29.64M Ongoing

TC: $10.28M / 9 years, $1.15M Ongoing

ECCC: $65.04M/ 9 years, $7.27M Ongoing

HC: $2.93M / 9 years, $0.32M Ongoing

Total: $324.54M/ 9 years; $38.38M Ongoing

DFO/CCG: $28.25M

TC: $1.11M

ECCC: $8.68M

HC: $0.32M

Total: $38.35M

DFO/CCG: $23.57M

TC: $0.85M

ECCC: $7.07M

HC: $0.30M

Total: $31.79M

ER 1.4 PI 1.4.6 T 1.4.6 March 2027 0 integrated marine pollution response plans

ECCC

Migratory Birds and other Wildlife, Substances and Waste Management, Compliance Promotion and Enforcement-Wildlife

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Environmental and Scientific Support to Environmental Emergency Response $32.50M / 9 years, $3.24M Ongoing $4.25M $3.61M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.1 T 1.5.1 March 2027 100% of 81 incidents

DFO/CCG

Search & Rescue

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Enhanced Arctic Response Station $27.42M / 9 years, $3.1M Ongoing $3.35M $2.22M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.2 T 1.5.2 Annual 123 days

DFO/CCG

Environmental Response

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Improving Environmental Response Community Caches in the Arctic $6.92M / 9 years, $0.38M Ongoing $2.01M $1.83M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.3 T 1.5.3 March 2027 8 community caches

DFO/CCG

Environmental Response

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Acquisition of Pollution Response Vessels (PRVs) for Environmental Response $10.05M / 5 years $4.27M $0.28M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.4 T 1.5.4 March 2027 0 PRVs

DFO/CCG

Environmental Response

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Expanding the Communication Portal for Integrated Incident Response (CPIIR) $24.15M / 9 years, $1.5M Ongoing $4.23M $4.04M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.5 T 1.5.5 March 2027 6 Indigenous partners

DFO/CCG

Environmental Response

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Heiltsuk Marine Emergency Response Team $5.18M / 5 years $1.05M $1.02M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.6 T 1.5.6 March 2027 100% (36/36)

DFO/CCG

Environmental Response

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Coastal Marine Response Teams $40.5M / 5 years $7.33M $5.50M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.7 T 1.5.7 March 2027 0

DFO/CCG

Search & Rescue

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Project (ICBVP) $35.51M / 9 years, $3.97M Ongoing $4.03M $4.05M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.8 T 1.5.8 March 2027 11%

DFO/CCG

Search & Rescue

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Coast Guard Auxiliary Renewal $34.1M / 9 years, $4.85M Ongoing $2.85M $2.81M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.9 T 1.5.9 March 2027 22.50%

DFO/CCG

Search & Rescue

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Indigenous Search and Rescue Training and Exercising $24.29M / 9 years, $3.37M Ongoing $2.68M $2.14M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.10 T 1.5.10 March 2027 451 Indigenous peoples
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness $109.19M / 9 years, $12.73M Ongoing $11.77M $9.43M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.11 T 1.5.11 March 2027 788 users (21% increase)
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure in Northern Communities $62.03M / 5 years $15.40M $5.90M ER 1.5 PI 1.5.12 T 1.5.12 March 2027 19%

TC

DFO/CCG

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Indigenous Participation and Training – Marine Training Program

TC: $38.94M / 5 years

DFO/CCG: $9.99M / 5 years

Total: $48.93M / 5 years

TC: $7.80M

DFO/CCG: $2.20M

Total: $10.00M

TC: $8.07M

DFO/CCG: $1.43M

Total: $9.50M

ER 1.5 PI 1.5.13 T 1.5.13 March 2027 42.27%

ECCC

Substances and Waste Management, DFO/CCG

Environmental Response, Aquatic Ecosystem Science,

HC

Health Impacts of Chemicals

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Recovery from Environmental Emergencies Involving Marine Oil Spills

ECCC: $13.54M/ 9 years, $1.37M Ongoing

DFO/CCG: $3.09M / 5 years

HC: $3.42M / 9 years, $0.37M Ongoing

Total: $20.05M / 9 years; $1.74M Ongoing

ECCC: $1.93M

DFO/CCG: $0.61M

HC: $0.37M

Total: $2.91M

ECCC: $1.58M

DFO/CCG: $0.42M

HC: $0.35M

Total: $2.35M

ER 1.6 PI 1.6.1 T 1.6.1 March 2027 Result in progress
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Liability and Compensation $12.78 / 9 years, $1.40M Ongoing $1.42M $1.42M ER 1.6 PI 1.6.2 T 1.6.2 December 2022 Yes

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

ER 1.1: The national prevention framework is adapted to prevent or minimize marine incidents and impacts from routine marine transportation and shipping

PI 1.1: % of identified gaps in the national framework that are closed to ensure that the prevention framework is adapted to account for changes to marine transportation

T 1.1: 100%

ER 1.2: Tools are in place to facilitate safe navigation

PI 1.2.1: % of proposed low impact shipping corridors in the Arctic that are covered by modern electronic navigation charts

T 1.2.1: 50% of Proposed Primary and Secondary Low Impact Shipping Corridors in the Arctic covered by modern Electronic Navigation Chart meeting international standards.

PI 1.2.2: % of proposed low impact shipping corridors in the Arctic that are surveyed to modern or adequate standards

T 1.2.2: 60% of proposed Primary and Secondary Low Impact Shipping Corridors in the Arctic are surveyed to international standards

PI 1.2.3: % of pleasure craft meeting regulatory requirements following Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks (PCCC)

T 1.2.3: At least 60% of pleasure crafts

ER 1.3: Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement of federal marine safety and environmental regulations

PI 1.3.1: NASP response rate to search and rescue and oil spill tasking

T 1.3.1: 70% response rate to search and rescue tasking and 100% response rate to oil spill taskings

PI 1.3.2 Enhanced inspection of every foreign tanker inspected under Port State Control

T 1.3.2: 90%

ER 1.4: National direction and guidance are available to guide response in the event of a marine emergency

PI 1.4.1: % of responders trained to participate in HNS incident response

T 1.4.1: 70%

PI 1.4.2: % national policy/plans/frameworks updated to reflect the national system

T 1.4.2: 100%

PI 1.4.3: % of places of refuge designated

T 1.4.3: 75%

PI 1.4.4: % increase in datasets and products shared with stakeholders to support decisions using real-time information

T 1.4.4: At least 50%

PI 1.4.5: # of search and rescue areas reviewed using the risk-based analysis methodology

T 1.4.5: Eight reviews annually starting in 2024

PI 1.4.6: # of integrated marine pollution response plans developed that are informed by science, Indigenous knowledge and operational experience

T 1.4.6: Eight

ER 1.5: The federal government, Indigenous and coastal communities have improved capacity to respond to marine incidents

PI 1.5.1: % of occasions where the scientific and technical advice provided by ECCC is considered in response and remediation decisions

T 1.5.1: 90%

PI 1.5.2: # of days the Arctic Response Station is operating per year (June-October)

T 1.5.2: 115 days per year starting 2023

PI 1.5.3: # of caches (community packs) delivered to identified communities at prescribed locations

T 1.5.3: 29

PI 1.5.4: # of new pollution response vessels delivered to environmental response depots

T 1.5.4: 8

PI 1.5.5: # of coastal communities and partners that have received access to a CCG integrated communication tool to supports on-water marine response

T 1.5.5: 38

PI 1.5.6: % MERT responders trained and equipped to respond to marine pollution incidents

T 1.5.6: 100%

PI 1.5.7: # of coastal marine response teams (CMRT) trained, equipped, and ready to respond to marine pollution incidents

T 1.5.7: 19

PI 1.5.8: % of Indigenous community units funded under the Indigenous Community Volunteer Program who are active members of the CCG Auxiliary

T 1.5.8: 100%

PI 1.5.9: % of maritime SAR responses to which the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary responded

T 1.5.9: 25% (five-year average)

PI 1.5.10: # of Indigenous Peoples who participate in marine emergency response training and/or exercising through agreements and arrangements with Coast Guard

T 1.5.10: 360

PI 1.5.11: % increase of users with access to EMSA (current baseline is 650 users)

T 1.5.11: 100% increase (1300 users)

PI 1.5.12: % of targeted Northern Indigenous communities deploying new safety equipment and/or basic marine infrastructure

T 1.5.12: 90%

PI 1.5.13: % of Marine Training Program graduates who are employed in the marine sector

T 1.5.13: 70%

ER 1.6: Recovery operations are coordinated to minimize residual impacts of marine oil spills and compensation to affected parties for impact of pollutants is enhanced

PI 1.6.1: The Recovery Framework is established

T 1.6.1: By 2027

PI 1.6.2: Availability of compensation for all future losses of income or profit in all spills

T 1.6.2: December 2022

Theme 2 - Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems

Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*: $389.34M

2024-25 federal theme planned spending:

  • TC: $25.16M
  • DFO/CCG: $56.11M
  • ECCC: $1.67M
  • Total: $82.94M

2024-25 federal theme actual spending:

  • TC: $18.09M
  • DFO/CCG: $57.03M
  • ECCC: $1.29M
  • Total: $76.41M

Theme outcome: Marine ecosystems are restored, and proactive measures are in place for the ongoing protection against the impacts of marine shipping

Theme performance indicators Theme targets Date to achieve theme target 2024-25 actual results
# of measures in place to reduce impacts of marine safety incidents, marine shipping, vessels of concern, and vessel traffic on marine ecosystems Seven March 2027 4 measures in place
# of square meters of aquatic habitat in marine and coastal areas of Canada that have been restored 700 million square meters restored March 2027 3,204 square meters

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 2 - Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems - Horizontal initiative activities

Departments Link to the department’s program inventory Horizontal initiative activities Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal* 2024-25 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity expected results 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity performance indicators 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity targets Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target 2024-25 Actual Results
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping $8.29M / 5 years $1.57M $1.99M ER 2.1 PI 2.1.1 T 2.1.1 March 2027 0 regional assessments

DFO

Aquatic Ecosystem Science

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Assessment and monitoring of physical and acoustic (noise) effects on marine mammals from major marine development projects, including the continued delivery of TMX Project Recommendation 5-6 $28.06M / 5 years $6.49M $6.47M ER 2.1 PI 2.1.2 T 2.1.2 March 2027 1 DFO CSAS publication

TC

DFO/CCG

Small Craft Harbours, ECCC

Migratory Birds and other Wildlife, Substances and Waste Management

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Comprehensive Strategy for Vessels of Concern

TC: $64.12M/ 5 years

DFO/CCG: $112.14M/ 5 years, $0.39M Ongoing

ECCC: $7.63M/ 5 years

Total: $183.89M/ 5 years; $0.39M Ongoing

TC: $11.36M

DFO/CCG: $21.69M

ECCC: $1.67M

Total: $34.72M

TC: $7.46M

DFO/CCG: $22.66M

ECCC: $1.29M

Total: $31.41M

ER 2.2

PI 2.2.1

PI 2.2.2

T 2.2.1

T 2.2.2

March 2024 & March 2027

N/A

94 vessels of concern removed

N/A

DFO

Fish and Fish Habitat Protection

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Fund $85.40M/ 5 years $26.29M $26.20M

ER 2.3

ER 2.4

PI 2.3.1

PI 2.4.1

PI 2.4.2

T 2.3.1

T 2.4.1

T 2.4.2

March 2027

March 2027

March 2027

38%

33%

93%

DFO/CCG

Marine Planning and Conservation

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Establishing and implementing Marine Environmental Quality tools under the Oceans Act to address key stressors and support decision-making in the marine environment $14.53M/ 9 years, $1.57M Ongoing $1.64M $1.70M ER 2.5

PI 2.5.1

PI 2.5.2

T 2.5.1

T 2.5.2

March 2027 and March 2031

March 2027 and March 2031

0 - Begin reporting results in FY25-26

0 - Begin reporting results in FY25-26

TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species through Marine Transportation $66.94M/ 9 years, $4.56M Ongoing $12.23M $8.64M ER 2.5 PI 2.5.3 T 2.5.3 March 2027 97.10%
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Arctic Ban on Heavy Fuel Oil Use by Ships No Funding No Funding No Funding ER 2.5 PI 2.5.3 T 2.5.3 March 2027 97.10%

DFO/CCG

Fisheries Management

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Marine Mammal Response Program $1.01M /
1 year
No Funding No Funding ER 2.5 PI 2.5.4 T 2.5.4 March 2023 Complete

DFO

Aquatic Ecosystem Science

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Reducing the Threat of Vessel Traffic on Whales and Other Marine Mammals through Detection and Avoidance $1.22M /
1 year
No Funding No Funding ER 2.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

ER 2.1: Scientific information and tools are available to inform decisions related to marine ecosystem and marine mammal protection

PI 2.1.1: # of regional assessments completed on the cumulative effects of marine shipping on marine environments and local communities

T 2.1.1: Six regional assessments completed

PI 2.1.2: # new science products related to SARA-listed marine mammals, whale detection, underwater noise, and noise management

T 2.1.2: At least four

ER 2.2: Abandonment of vessels is reduced, and vessels of concern are addressed

PI 2.2.1: # of vessels of concern removed under the funding programs

T 2.2.1: 110 (80 by ABP and 30 by SCH-AWVRP) and 200 (125 by ABP and 75 by SCH-AWVRP)

PI 2.2.2: % of vessels of concern that are addressed by their owners

T 2.2.2: N/A

ER 2.3: Aquatic restoration efforts are expanded to include in-land waterways

PI 2.3.1: % of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects taking place in freshwater environments

T 2.3.1: 20%

ER 2.4: Indigenous Peoples play a more significant role in aquatic habitat restoration

PI 2.4.1: % of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are Indigenous led

T 2.4.1: 30%

PI 2.4.2: % of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that will include Indigenous partners with a strong role in development and implementation

T 2.4.2: 90%

ER 2.5: Measures are in place, and complied with, to reduce the risk of stressors on marine ecosystems

PI 2.5.1: % priority Marine Environment Quality recommendations implemented from Ocean Noise Strategy forward plan

T 2.5.1: By March 2027, 50% and by 2031, 100%

PI 2.5.2: # of measures developed to mitigate risks of priority marine environmental stressors

T 2.5.2: By March 2027, 1 and by 2031, 2

PI 2.5.3: % of ships inspected compliant with Ballast Water Regulations

T 2.5.3: 95% of vessels over 400 gross tonnage comply with the Ballast Water Regulations

PI 2.5.4: # of partners equipped or trained to respond to marine mammal incidents

T 2.5.4: 11

Theme 3 - Strengthening the evidence base

Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*: $208.86M

2024-25 federal theme planned spending:

  • TC: $0.11M
  • DFO/CCG: $17.88M
  • ECCC: $10.78M
  • NRCan: $8.46M
  • Total: $37.23M

2024-25 federal theme actual spending:

  • TC: $0.28M
  • DFO/CCG: $17.23M
  • ECCC: $10.06M
  • NRCan: $8.33M
  • Total: $35.90M

Theme outcome: Scientific information and capacity for expert analysis is available to inform decisions related to the prevention, prediction, and response of marine incidents, as well as to guide ecosystem protection

Theme performance indicator Theme target Date to achieve theme target 2024-25 actual results
# of scientific publications, products, and programs 65 March 2027 92 publications, products, and programs

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 3 - Strengthening the Evidence Base - Horizontal initiative activities

Departments Link to the department’s program inventory Horizontal initiative activities) Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal* 2024-25 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s) 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s) 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity target(s) Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target 2024-25 Actual Results
ECCC (Migratory Birds and other Wildlife, Water Quality and Ecosystems Partnerships) Protecting Oceans and Waterways Advancing Evidence-based Decisions Through Environmental Data (AED) $62.50M /9 years, $6.15M Ongoing $8.11M $7.36M ER 3.1 PI 3.1.1 T 3.1.1 March 2027 43%
DFO/CCG (Aquatic Ecosystem Science) Protecting Oceans and Waterways DFO Environmental Response Science $41.65M /5 years $7.52M $6.94M ER 3.1 PI 3.1.2 T 3.1.2 Annual 9 publications and/or products
NRCan (Energy Innovation and Clean Technology) Protecting Oceans and Waterways Multi-Partner Research Initiative $30.26M /5 years $8.46M $8.33M ER 3.2 PI 3.2.1 T 3.2.1 Annual 14 publications
DFO (Oceans and Climate Change Science) Protecting Oceans and Waterways Oceans Network Canada $51.79M /5 years $10.36M $10.29M ER 3.2 PI 3.2.2 T 3.2.2 March 2027 12 CODAR sites
ECCC (Migratory Birds and other Wildlife) Protecting Oceans and Waterways Community-based Partnerships for Marine Response $21.58M /9 years, $2.39M Ongoing $2.67M $2.70M ER 3.2 PI 3.2.3 T 3.2.3 March 2027 67%
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways World Maritime University (WMU) Chair Position $1.01M /9 years, $0.11M Ongoing $0.11M $0.28M ER 3.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

ER 3.1: Increased access to new research and data to inform safer navigation and to support incident response

PI 3.1.1: % of priority areas by region that have environmental data available for environmental emergencies

T 3.1.1: 100%

PI 3.1.2: # of scientific publications and products related to oil in the marine environment

T 3.1.2: Beginning in 2023, at least five per year until 2027

ER 3.2: Data and research products are available to inform safer navigation, emergency response planning and marine ecosystems impacts

PI 3.2.1: # of scientific publications and products related to oil in the marine, offshore, offshore platform and near-shore environments, as well as onshore pipeline oil spill scenarios

T 3.2.1: Beginning in FY 2023/24, at least five per year until 2027
(20 in total)

PI 3.2.2: # of CODAR sites where real-time or near real-time data is available

T 3.2.2: 14

PI 3.2.3: % of engaged Indigenous groups providing data and/or information to support marine safety

T 3.2.3: 100% of engaged Indigenous groups are contributing local information to support marine safety

Theme 4 - Advancing Indigenous Partnerships and Engaging Canadians

Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*: $55.08M

2024-25 federal theme planned spending:

  • TC: $15.56M
  • DFO/CCG: $2.20M
  • Total: $17.76M

2024-25 federal theme actual spending:

  • TC: $15.44M
  • DFO/CCG: $1.95M
  • Total: $17.39M

Theme outcome: Indigenous Peoples are meaningfully participating and have a role in the marine safety system and ecosystem protection

Theme performance indicators Theme targets Date to achieve theme target 2024-25 actual results
% of Indigenous groups who feel that they meaningfully participated in the Oceans Protection Plan
  1. By March 2027, there will be a 40% average increase in the participation rate of Indigenous groups at Dialogue Forums and priority engagements.
  2. By March 2027, 30% increase of agenda items co-developed and/or presented by Indigenous partners.
March 2027
  1. 0% increase
  2. 0% increase
% of Canadians who are confident in Canada’s marine safety system By March 2027, 2% increase of survey respondents are confident in Canada’s marine safety system from the end of 2022 March 2027 8% increase

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 4 - Advancing Indigenous Partnerships and Engaging Canadians - Horizontal initiative activities

Table A
Departments Link to the department’s program inventory Horizontal initiative activities Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal* 2024-25 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s) 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s) 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity target(s) Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target 2024-25 Actual Results
TC DFO/CCG (Shore-Based Asset Readiness) Protecting Oceans and Waterways Oceans Protection Plan Engagement Hubs and Marine Dialogue Forums

TC: $9.60M /5 years

DFO/CCG: $2.51M /5 years

Total: $12.11M /5 years

TC: $8.73M

DFO/CCG:

$0.49M

Total: $9.22M

TC: $9.85M

DFO/CCG: $0.30M

Total : $10.15M

ER 4.1 PI 4.1.1 T 4.1.1 March 2027 0% increase
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Salish Sea Strategy $2.03M / 5 years $0.34M $0.24M ER 4.1 PI 4.1.1 T 4.1.1 March 2027 0% increase
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Building Public Confidence in Canada’s Marine Safety System $7.05M / 5 years $1.40M $1.36M ER 4.1 PI 4.1.1 T 4.1.1 March 2027 0% increase

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Table B

Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal*:

  • TC: $25.12M/ 5 years
  • DFO/CCG: $8.77M/ 5 years
  • Total: $33.89M/ 5 years

2024-25 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity:

  • TC: $$5.09M
  • DFO/CCG: $1.71M
  • Total: $6.80M

2024-25 actual spending for each horizontal initiative activity:

  • TC: $3.99M
  • DFO/CCG: $1.65M
  • Total: $5.64M
Departments Link to the department’s program inventory Horizontal initiative activities 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity expected results 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity performance indicators 2024-25 horizontal initiative activity targets Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target 2024-25 Actual Results

TC

DFO/CCG (Shore-Based Asset Readiness)

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Advancing Indigenous Partnerships: Governance, Policy Framework and Partnership Agreements ER 4.2 PI 4.2.1 T 4.2.1 March 2027 Maintained 4 existing partnership agreements and 30 new partnership agreements

TC

DFO/CCG (Shore-Based Asset Readiness)

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Advancing Indigenous Partnerships: Proactive Vessel Management ER 4.2 PI 4.2.2 T 4.2.2 March 2027 0 partnerships assessed
TC Protecting Oceans and Waterways Advancing Indigenous Partnerships: Regulatory Roundtable ER 4.2 PI 4.2.3 T 4.2.3 March 2027 75 Indigenous organizations engaged

TC

DFO/CCG (Shore-Based Asset Readiness)

Protecting Oceans and Waterways Advancing Indigenous Partnerships: Northern Low-Impact Shipping Corridors ER 4.2 PI 4.2.4 T 4.2.4 March 2027 4 Indigenous partners

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

ER 4.1: Strengthened engagement with Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, and stakeholders through enhanced collaboration, coordination, and information-sharing.

PI 4.1.1: % increase of survey respondents participating in the Salish Sea Strategy and Marine Dialogue Forums who indicate engagement has helped their participation in the marine safety system or environmental protection

T 4.1.1: 20% increase from baseline

ER 4.2: Meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples

PI 4.2.1: # of partnership agreements signed and maintained with those Indigenous groups who have indicated interest

T 4.2.1: Maintain two existing and up to four new partnership agreements nationally

PI 4.2.2: # of partnership agreements assessed using performance indicators co-developed with Indigenous partners

T 4.2.2: At least two partnership agreements assessed

PI 4.2.3: # of Indigenous groups engaged in developing a collaborative governance framework

T 4.2.3: Up to five regional or national Indigenous groups or partners

PI 4.2.4: # of targeted Indigenous partners contributing to developing and recommending a governance model to support low impact shipping corridors in the North

T 4.2.4: 10 targeted Indigenous partners

Total spending, all themes

Theme Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal* 2024-25 total federal planned spending 2024-25 total federal actual spending
Enhancing Marine Safety $1,379.7M $196.6M $152.57M
Protecting and Restoring Marine Ecosystems $389.3M $82.9M $76.41M
Strengthening the Evidence Base $208.9M $37.3M $35.90M
Advancing Indigenous Partnerships and Engaging Canadians $55.1M $11M $17.39M
Total, all themes $2032.9M $327.8M $282.27M

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.