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Canada's Fish Habitat

Canada's fish habitat, the life support system critical for fish to reproduce, grow and live, is critical to the security and sustainability of Canada’s marine and freshwater fisheries resources.

Fish habitat, however, can be easily damaged and lost due to human activities that occur in, near or with water. These often result in both big and small changes to fish habitat in ways that are both obvious and subtle. The changes often have profound effects on the economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits that marine and freshwater fish provide to Canadians.

DFO's Fish Habitat Management Program plays a pivotal role in the conservation and protection of fish habitat in Canada. With staff in over 65 offices across Canada, staff are involved in reviews of works and undertakings in or near water; monitoring compliance and enforcing the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act; watershed and coastal zone planning; habitat enhancement; public education and stewardship. The Program works closely with provinces, territories, industry and conservation and aboriginal groups on protecting and conserving fish habitat and has responsibility to report to Parliament annually on the administration and enforcement of the habitat protection and pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act.

One of the key objectives of the policy is to “increase the natural productive capacity of habitats for the nation’s fisheries resources” otherwise known as “Net Gain”, through conservation, restoration, and development of fish habitat.

The Fisheries Act and the Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat provide the federal government with a significant role in the conservation and protection of Canadian waters.