| dc.description.abstract | In 1995, the National Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime (NOSPRR) was
established by Transport Canada. Although there has not been a major spill in Canadian waters
since NOSPRR was implemented, experts have indicated that Canada remains at risk for a spill.
Recent statistical modelling suggests that Canada could experience a major marine oil spill every
year, and a catastrophic spill once every fifteen years. In 2013, the Tanker Safety Expert Panel
(TESP) published a review of Canada’s National Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime,
and recommended that Canada shift to an area-based planning approach. In 2014, a nationwide
Area Risk Assessment (ARA) indicated that there are regional variations in the level of risk
(probability) and/or impact (consequences) of a marine oil spill.
Other than two pilot projects (the Area Response Planning Initiative (ARPI) and the
British Columbia Regional Response Plan Project), there is no clear indication of a shift toward
Regional Response Planning (RRP). An effective RRP framework would mitigate adverse
impacts to the Canadian environment, economy, and society in the event of a catastrophic spill.
This paper proposes an adaptive RRP framework that can be applied to at-risk regions
across Canada. The framework was built using recommendations from the TSEP and the ARPI.
The framework begins with Initiation, and is followed by six phases: Region, Risk, Prevent,
Prepare, Respond, and Review. This framework emphasizes: stakeholder and rightsholder
engagement; expert involvement and science-based decision-making; open communication and
data sharing between government departments; and establishment of a standard process for
national use. Feedback loops are included to ensure the management (response) is adaptable and
responsive to regional changes. Finally, an action plan is required to ensure RRP is implemented
within a reasonable timeframe. Ideally, the development of an RRP approach to oil spill
management should be a proactive rather than reactive process.
Keywords: marine oil spill; policy; regional based management; adaptive management; shipping;
marine transportation; response organization | en_US |
