The Northern Coastal Information and Research Program (NCIRP) was established in 2002 within the University of British Columbia's Northern Land Use Institute. It received an initial grant from the B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines to "support advancing the state of scientific and other knowledge, such as socio-economic analysis, for offshore oil and gas in British Columbia."
The Program has focused on a study area consisting of the waters, coastlines, ecosystems and human communities of eastern Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait and the many channels, sounds, fjords and other inlets connected to the more open waters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Together, and following the term used by government and industry, this is called the Queen Charlotte Basin.
NCIRP meets its mandate with the following three-part approach:
Strategic Review has involved the preparation of four studies on critically important challenges surrounding offshore oil and gas. In addition, other more specific projects have been undertaken focusing on labour-training needs. These were conducted through the Northwest Community College using a pilot "customized community education" model in partnership with various groups in the Prince Rupert/Port Edward area. As well, a sponge reef mapping initiative was completed in cooperation with the Pacific Geoscience Centre.
Community Engagement has been an integral part of our four reviews. It finds its most tangible form in the creation of a Community Guidance Group. The group's membership reflects the diverse interests of communities in the study areas, and it guides NCIRP on matters of research, design, conduct, analysis and information dissemination.
Public Information materials, including this website, are being developed to help communities and individuals sort through the complex and often confusing array of offshore oil and gas facts and issues.
The Northern Coastal Information and Research Program (NCIRP) was established in 2002 within the University of British Columbia's Northern Land Use Institute. It received an initial grant from the B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines to "support advancing the state of scientific and other knowledge, such as socio-economic analysis, for offshore oil and gas in British Columbia."
Strategic Review has involved the preparation of four studies on critically important challenges surrounding offshore oil and gas. In addition, other more specific projects have been undertaken focusing on labour-training needs. These were conducted through the Northwest Community College using a pilot "customized community education" model in partnership with various groups in the Prince Rupert/Port Edward area. As well, a sponge reef mapping initiative was completed in cooperation with the Pacific Geoscience Centre.