The North Fraser Port Authority has port jurisdiction over the north and middle arms of the Fraser River. The Port has a mission to provide innovative and responsible leadership in the administration of the north arm's river highway and to ensure that all development enhances the economic opportunity, recreational potential and environmental integrity of the area. In support of this mission, the North Fraser Port Authority works with other public and private organizations as partners in areas of mutual interest.

North Fraser Port Authority and FREMP
The North Fraser port Authority is responsible for the administration of marine traffic, including patrolling the river to ensure that marine transport regulations are being observed. It is also responsible for the management of land areas under its administration -- primarily along the tidal areas along the riverbanks.

The North Fraser Port Authority was an early supporter of incorporating environmental issues into their operations. In September 1988, the North Fraser Harbour Environmental Management Plan was signed by the Port and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The purpose of the Plan was to facilitate a pro-active approach toward port development and environmental management. This included establishing a shoreline classification system to assist port administrators and habitat managers in maintaining an economically and environmentally viable harbour.

The Port developed a more detailed project review and assessment process, which was integrated with the FREMP coordinated project review procedures. The Port created a habitat compensation banking system to facilitate compensation for industrial, port, commercial, or recreational developments where on-site mitigation or compensation would be impractical or inadequate, and where off-site compensation would be considered acceptable. It also established a co-operative management program designed to make fish management and fish habitat concerns an integral component of port operations and development planning processes.

The North Fraser Port Authority operates under the Canadian Marine Act, and is a responsible agency under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).