The Indigenous Fisheries conflict in Nova Scotia could have been avoided if the proper planning of the Ocean was completed when marine scientists and conservationists introduced the concept of Marine Spatial Planning. Spatial Planning is similar to urban or rural planning. It sets zones of usage or protection based on the specific needs and wants of the people managing the area (citizens in the form of representation by elected officials). 

Planning on land has been happening for quite some time and the goal of the planning is to make sure users (developers, industries, residences) know where they can do their functions. 

Ocean planning would guide users to where they could do their function and how they could do it. The planning would reduce the harm on sensitive Ocean habitats as well as allow for conservation. It would also reduce ocean user conflict by setting out the guidelines of where and when people can conduct their uses. 

Imagine is an Ocean plan was conducted a number of years ago. It could have set out where and when Non-Indigenous and Indigenous fishers can fish with the appropriate conservation measures in place and the process would have brought the two parties to the table to speak to each other. This conflict could have been avoided. 

Register for the Mindful Conservation Conference:  https://www.absolutelysmashingllc.com/mindful-conference

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Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

Madame CuriosityApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xUlSax Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2V38QQ1

ConCiencia Azul: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Projects For Wildlife Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Oc17gy Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37rinWz

Ocean Science RadioApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3chJMfA Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bnkP18

The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/31P4UY6 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3f7hDJw