FAQ: Provincial Jurisdiction of BC over Coastal and Ocean Matters

BC exercises considerable jurisdiction in the marine and coastal realm, and works closely with other levels of government who share this jurisdiction – including Indigenous, federal and local governments.

This FAQ provides responses to common questions about jurisdictional issues affecting the coast of British Columbia, clarifying where provincial laws apply and which orders of government have jurisdiction over a range of different coastal and ocean-based activities. 

Updated in June 2020