Goals create a vision for creating a Marine Use Plan and those goals are realized by setting detailed objectives. The goals and objectives are defined by the NILCA and by Nunavimmiut through consultation and ongoing research. In time, the NMRPC will develop its Marine Planning Strategy and will consult Nunavimmiut on what their goals and objectives will be for their future marine use plan.
The NILCA outlines several objectives and responsibilities of the NMRPC as well. These 13 responsibilities are outlined in section 6.4.4 of the NILCA and are essential for the NMRPC to meet its goals for a successful marine use plan:
- Identify planning regions;
- Identify specific planning objectives, goals, and variables that apply to planning regions and are consistent with the broader objectives and goals;
- Contribute to the development and review of Arctic marine policy;
- Disseminate information and data;
- Solicit opinions from municipalities, residents, and others about planning objectives, goals and options of the region;
- Prepare and circulate draft marine use plans;
- Promote public awareness and discussion and conduct public hearings and debate throughout the planning process;
- Recommend plans to the Ministers;
- Consider modifications requested by the Ministers in the event that a draft plan is rejected;
- Consider amendments to a marine use plan in accordance with Part 6 of NILCA;
- Determine whether a project proposal is in conformity with a marine use plan;
- Monitor projects to ensure that they are in conformity with marine use plans; and
- Report annually to the Ministers and the Makivik Designated Organization on the implementation of marine use plans.
