GBA Update Summer 2024

Coastal Protection–Municipal Planning Comparison Project (MPCP) The MPCP coastal protection project examines the strategic plans, official plans, and comprehensive zoning bylaws of the five towns along Georgian Bay's north and east shores where GBA members are located. The next steps are to initiate discussions amongst these municipalities to understand how they align and differ on their planning policies and inspire collaboration. We are also in discussion with Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere on how a similar project of theirs can tie in with the MPCP, and we are excited to explore this potential collaboration and see where it leads. More to come on this! None of these achievements would be possible without the incredible hard work and dedication of our GBA directors and the growing number of amazing volunteers.

By moving these initiatives forward, we can make a difference, reduce the flow of these sources of plastic pollution into the Bay, and take a step towards stopping the ingestion of, and recreation in, our own garbage. Aquaculture As usual, your Aquaculture Committee has been busy advocating for federal and provincial agencies to try to move this industry onshore into enclosed facilities that do not pollute our waters. ≥ Ongoing discussions with the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to support the GBA position on this industrial fish farming activity in public waters. ≥ Submission to the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, see: https://bit.ly/aquaculture_sub ≥ Development of a strategy (social media and other methods) to counter the recently published, ambitious expansion and marketing plans for the industry, which includes a tripling of production over five years. Recent actions include:

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GBA UPDATE Summer 2024

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