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What Do I Need to Do?

The Process

DFO (Habitat Management Program) may become aware of a project through a direct request or through a "referral" from a provincial agency or other organization. DFO will review the information to determine if there is fish habitat affected by the project. There are three possible processes:

• No fish habitat - no concern
• Fish habitat - but harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) can be avoided- Letter of advice issued.
• Fish habitat - HADD - may be subject to an Environmental Assessment

If there is no fish habitat, DFO will advise you that there are no habitat concerns with respect to the Fisheries Act.

If there is Fish Habitat but HADD can be avoided - DFO may be able to advise you of ways to do that by either changing location or design or other measures.

If there is Fish Habitat but HADD is unavoidable - DFO may determine there is a HADD and that it is impractical to change design or location or take other measures to avoid it. DFO may determine that the HADD is unacceptable and no authorization will be granted. In other cases, DFO will consider the HADD acceptable and issue an Authorization, which will include a requirement for a Plan to compensate for the loss of fish habitat. Before DFO can issue an Authorization, an Environmental Assessment must be undertaken in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).

Application for Authorization for Works or Undertakings Affecting Fish Habitat
(Application for Authorization for Works or Undertakings Affecting Fish Habitat -PDF )