EnergyBC

Impact on Other Industries (more...)

Many opponents to offshore oil and gas development focus on the potential negative impact the industry may have on existing resource based industries such as fisheries (commercial and aboriginal) and forestry. Tourism along the north coast and throughout Vancouver Island is also well-established as a major source of revenue and jobs. The offshore industry would need to work together with stakeholders in traditional based industries during the planning and development stages to ensure that both could sides co-exist with minimal disruption.

The Coastal Communities	- population of approximately 60,000, in Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Kitimat and small scattered communities
	- up to one third of the population is First Nations (BC Stats 2004)
	- the traditional economic base is forestry, fishing, mineral extraction (Port Hardy) and mineral processing (Kitimat)
	- the concern amongst local residents is that these industries be protected and that skilled labour not be seduced away to better-paying jobs on rigs and platforms

The following local, traditional industries have the potential to be affected if oil and gas exploration were to proceed offshore of BC:

Commercial Fishery	- offshore platforms may limit access to fishing grounds
	- seismic activity may have a negative affect on fish
	- oil spills and blowouts can pollute the water
	- however, improvements to weather forecasting, search and rescue, communications, etc., can also benefit the fisheries
	- the First Nations groups also have a traditional relationship with fish and the ocean and are worried about potential disruptions
Forestry	- forestry in BC is already facing a decline in revenues
Shipping	- an obvious byproduct of oil and gas exploration would be increased vessel traffic which could lead to an increase in the risk of collision and other marine incidents, along with an increase in environmental pollution
	- proper planning would be required to mitigate these risks
Recreation and Tourism	- the coastal areas of BC are becoming increasingly dependent on tourism as a revenue source
	- eco tourism and the cruise ship industry are also quickly becoming important components
	- the oil and gas industry can have both positive effects (e.g., revenues can be used to improve local infrastructure and city aesthetics) and negative effects (e.g., oil spills)

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