Marine Use Planning

Metlakatla has traditionally been, and continues to be, dependent on marine environments for food, livelihood, and cultural practices. As a coastal community, Metlakatla members are participants in all aspects of the marine economy and work to maintain our aboriginal right to harvest for food, social, ceremonial and commercial purposes while conserving healthy, productive ecosystems. As the North Coast faces increasing pressures from industrial development, we are fully engaged in planning and decision making processes to ensure stewardship of our marine environment remains a priority, and our members remain active in the sustainable development of our resources.

Metlakatla is currently working to produce a Metlakatla Marine Use Plan. Guided by a committee of community members, the plan will help inform stewardship and future marine development activities. To date, we have completed the necessary traditional, socio-economic, and ecological research needed to inform the plan. A preliminary draft of the plan is undergoing internal review before it will be released for community input and approval. Once complete, Metlakatla will be guided by the plan as we engage in Government to Government discussions as part of the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) planning initiative to produce a comprehensive guiding document for the North Coast marine environment.