Policy Sectors
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Policy Sectors
The DFO is developing a “National Framework for Identifying, Establishing, and Managing Ecologically Significant Areas (ESA Framework). Currently, there are no ESAs in Canada. The proposed ESA framework will provide clarification on the identification, establishment and management of ESAs. Implementation of ESAs will vary from region to region. Currently, the DFO is seeking input on ESA identification criteria.
What is an ESA?
The main purpose of an ESA is to provide a regulatory process that aims to give long-term protection to areas of sensitive, highly productive, rare or unique fish and fish habitat. ESAs can regulate any human activity, except for fishing, that could impact fish conversation and fish habitat. ESAs can also:
• integrate environmental, economic, and social objectives.
• respect Aboriginal and Treaty rights
• provide opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories, community groups, and others to support ESA conservation and protection objectives; and
• further DFO’s knowledge in these areas through monitoring and reporting.
Click here to participate in a survey to give your feedback on the first phase of the framework: ESA Identification.
Prescribed Works and Waters Regulation
The DFO is developing a streamlined approval process for projects that meet specific criteria for the following three classes of works: shoreline stabilization, noise-inducing activities, and aquatic rehabilitation projects.
The purpose of this streamlined process is to provide better protection for fish and fish habitat while also increasing the management of routine works and works conducted on minor waters. Projects included in this process are ones that the DFO states are already routine in nature, have predictable outcomes, and are unlikely to cause the death of fish or include science-informed methods to mitigate the death of fish.
Each of the three classes of works that fall under this proposed regulation have three components:
Shoreline Stabilization
Proposed Project Requirements for Shoreline Stabilization
Placement of fill below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) for the purpose of remediating ongoing shoreline erosion where fill material:
Proposed Condition Requirements for Shoreline Stabilization
a) Pre-project notification:
b) Post-project notification
c) Measures to reduce impacts on fish:
d) Measures to reduce impacts on fish habitat:
Proposed Waterbody Criteria for Shoreline Stabilization
All fish-bearing waters in Canada except for:
Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
This class of works is meant to support small-scale aquatic habitat rehabilitation work, often conducted by conservation organizations.
Proposed Project Requirements for Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
The placement or removal of materials below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) 6 of Canadian fish bearing waters for the purpose of implementing specific named works designed to rehabilitate aquatic habitats.
Those named works include:
The works must:
Proposed Condition Requirements for Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
a) Pre-project notification:
b) Post-project notification:
c) Qualified Environmental Professional:
d) Measures to reduce impacts on fish:
e) Measures to reduce impacts on fish habitat:
Proposed Waterbody Criteria for Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
All fish-bearing waterbodies in Canada except for:
Broad Scale Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
This proposed class is designed to manage larger, or less routine, aquatic habitat rehabilitation projects.
Proposed Project Requirements for Broad Scale Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
The placement or removal of materials below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) 6 of Canadian fish bearing waters for the purpose of implementing works designed to rehabilitate aquatic habitats.
Proposed Condition Requirements for Broad Scale Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
a) Pre-project notification:
b) Post-project notification:
c) Measures to reduce impacts on fish:
d) Measures to reduce impacts on fish habitat:
Proposed Waterbody Criteria for Broad Scale Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
All fish-bearing waterbodies in Canada except for:
Noise Inducing Activities - TBD