Sharing the Ocean - Protecting Aquatic Species at Risk

August 11, 2005

Most of us are familiar with species like the harlequin duck, burrowing owl, killer whale and North Atlantic right whale and realize that these are species at risk. But did you know that there are other species living in waters off our coast that are currently at risk of disappearing? Some examples include the Atlantic whitefish, the Inner Bay of Fundy population of Atlantic salmon and the leatherback sea turtle.

There are a variety of reasons why a species is put at risk and some of these reasons are related to changes in the environment, biological requirements, human interactions with the species, natural events, habitat destruction, and the presence of, or competition with, invasive species. The Species at Risk Act (SARA) is a new federal law established to help protect aquatic species and other wildlife that may be at risk. It complements the Fisheries Act which has strong conservation measures.

"Our aquatic species and the ecosystems they live within are an important part of the natural heritage and environment of the Maritimes," said Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. "The Species at Risk Act ensures protection of aquatic and other species that may be at risk."

Species listed in SARA as endangered or threatened are offered immediate protection from harm. It is also illegal to destroy or damage the residence of a protected species. SARA protects not only the species, but also the space it needs to live, find food, reproduce, and raise young. However, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans can, in certain circumstances, authorize activities that may harm an aquatic species at risk, if specific conditions are met and the activities would not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species.

If you are involved in the commercial fishery, recreational fishery or the aquaculture industry, your activities may be affected to ensure the recovery of a species. For the fishing industry, these impacts may include changes to by-catch levels, fishing gear modifications and fishing area and season closures. Likewise, SARA may affect the aquaculture industry through restrictions on where new aquaculture operations can be established, restrictions regarding pesticide use and changes to predator and waste control methods.

Regardless of which activities you are involved in, you should know about SARA. Because the Act makes it illegal to destroy areas that are considered to be critical habitat, the business community at large may be affected through restrictions imposed on development and construction projects. Whether a bridge needs to be built or a culvert installed, businesses need to ensure that projects will not negatively affect a species at risk.

Three government organizations are directly involved in protecting species at risk: Environment Canada, Parks Canada Agency and Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). As the governing body of Canada's aquatic environments, DFO is responsible for the recovery and protection of all aquatic species at risk, freshwater and saltwater alike. However, in order to protect species from extinction, governments and stakeholder groups across Canada will need to work together.

"As users of the ocean and freshwater environments, we all have a role to play in protecting our marine environment." said Minister Regan. "The Species at Risk Act allows for such participation. It conserves nature while engaging Canadians through consultation, stewardship, and transparency -- especially those who make a living from nature."

How can you be involved in the listing of a species under SARA? In most cases, we all have a say in what species will be listed under the Act. Before a species is listed, the government consults with Canadians on the impacts that listing a species will have on our communities and livelihoods. Taking part in these consultations will ensure that your concerns will be considered in the government's decision to list a species. You can also make your comments known through the SARA registry web site (www.sararegistry.gc.ca). There are special cases under SARA, however, in which the government can speed up the process and list species on an emergency basis.

How can you be engaged once a species is listed? You can simply be aware of the Act, learn about aquatic species at risk and take steps to ensure that any activities, work or projects you undertake comply with the Act and won't harm species at risk or their habitat.

The Government of Canada is committed to working with all interested parties to ensure that species at risk and their critical habitats are protected. The Act supports this commitment, by providing the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed documents, which are found on the SARA public registry at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca.

If you or your organization have a project in mind that can help protect species at risk, you can apply for funding from the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP). The HSP is a conservation initiative sponsored by the Government of Canada that provides funding for projects which, with matching contributions (in-kind or financial), aim to protect and recover species at risk. In 2004, almost 20 projects were funded by the HSP in Nova Scotia and have enabled many individuals and community-level groups to get involved in the stewardship of species at risk.

For more information on SARA, visit:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/home_e.asp