About the ACZISC

The Atlantic Coastal Zone Information Steering Committee (ACZISC) was established in January 1992 to foster cooperation in Atlantic Canada with regards to Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management (ICOM), coastal mapping and geomatics.

The ACZISC is actively:

Networking and disseminating information via meetings and thematic workshops, the Coastal Update e-newsletter and the ACZISC website.
Engaging stakeholders in the establishment of COINAtlantic - the Coastal and Ocean Information Network - in support of ICOM in Atlantic Canada. (See the About COINAtlantic page.)
Participating in studies and projects to further our understanding of the coastal zone.

The ACZISC holds three meetings per year in the Atlantic provincial capitals by rotation. In addition it organizes thematic workshops as required. The meetings and workshops are attended by ACZISC Members and by observers from all sectors, including community groups, the private sector, academia, etc.

ACZISC OPERATING STRUCTURE

ACZISC members represent organizations and agencies which have a mandate for, and can contribute to, the development and coordination of a regional coastal zone information infrastructure and the promotion of integrated coastal and ocean management initiatives. Membership currently includes the four Atlantic Provinces, eleven federal departments/agencies, community organizations, NGOs, the private sector and academia.

An Advisory Committee acts as a sounding board and to provide advice to the ACZISC Secretariat. The Advisory Committee is comprised of a representative from each of the sectors represented on the ACZISC and the Secretariat.

In 2003, the ACZISC established a separate group, the ACZISC Association, to act as the legal entity for the ACZISC. The Association is registered as a not-for-profit organization under the Nova Scotia Societies Act. The ACZISC Association Board of Directors is composed of non-government members of the ACZISC.

The ACZISC Secretariat is located at Dalhousie University, 6414 Coburg Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 2A7. It is staffed by the Director, the Project Officer, the COINAtlantic Project Manager and the Finance Officer. The funds required to operate the Secretariat are provided by members and project revenue. The Secretariat operates on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ACZISC and the ACZISC Association

A schematic describing the ACZISC Operating Structure is available.

ACZISC WORKPLAN AND STRATEGIC PLAN

An ACZISC Workplan is prepared annually by the ACZISC Secretariat and members. The ACZISC Workplan activities and deliverables reflect the thrusts and enabling objectives identified in the ACZISC Strategic Plan. ACZISC Working Groups and Task Groups, consisting of ACZISC members and others, are established to assist the Secretariat with the delivery of the Workplan.