Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of changes can I expect as a result of the Species at Risk Act?
• Could the Species at Risk Act shut down my business?
• What are incidental harm permits?
• What is Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s role in implementing SARA and protecting aquatic species at risk?
• How much notice will be given of any new prohibitions?
• Will Canadians have a say in any new measures that are implemented as part of the Act?
• What is the SARA public registry?
• Can a species ever come off the list?
• How can I help?

What kind of changes can I expect as a result of the Species at Risk Act?
Species at risk will get the protection they need only if all Canadians work together. While it is too early to know all the specific impacts SARA will have on different industries and activities, it is safe to assume there will be changes. The protective measures required will be defined through recovery strategies and action plans specific to each species listed as endangered or threatened. Canadians can be sure that these strategies and plans will be developed in close collaboration with affected stakeholders.

More detailed information on possible changes for the commercial fishing industry can be found under Commercial Fishing in the sidebar menu.

Could the Species at Risk Act shut down my business?
The Government of Canada recognizes that it must protect species at risk while also maintaining economic stability and sustainable industries. Every effort will be made to work with fishing, aquaculture and other industries to meet the objectives of the Act while minimizing its impact on individuals, communities and businesses. It is conceivable that businesses may have to adapt the ways they operate in certain respects; where that is the case, DFO will communicate clearly what needs to be done to avoid uncertainty.

What are incidental harm permits?
Under certain circumstances, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans can issue a permit allowing for ‘incidental harm’ to a listed species, such as allowing the limited bycatch of a species at risk in another fishery. These incidental harm permits will be issued only if it is clear that the survival of the species will not be jeopardized. As a result, before issuing an incidental harm permit the government must undertake scientific research in consultation with the affected individual, business or industry to fully understand the impacts of various activities on listed species at risk.

Applicants requesting incidental harm permits are expected to consider all other reasonable alternatives first, take all feasible measures to minimize impact, and to substantiate that any harm caused under the allowance of the permit will not jeopardize the species’ survival or recovery.

More information on incidental harm permits issued in 2004 can be found in our news section.

What is Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s role in implementing SARA and protecting aquatic species at risk?
Although Environment Canada has the lead responsibility for protecting species at risk, aquatic species fall under the jurisdiction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Once the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designates an aquatic species as endangered or threatened, there are a number of steps that DFO must take, namely to:

• Consult with various stakeholders on the designated species;
• Provide advice to the Minister of the Environment on whether the species should be listed for legal protection under SARA;
• Work with affected stakeholders to develop recovery strategies and action plans for species protected under SARA;
• Conduct additional scientific research on the impact of fisheries and other activities on listed species and their habitats;
• Update fisheries management plans where applicable to include new conservation measures; and
• Develop a compliance program.

DFO’s approach is based on sound scientific research and stakeholder consultations. DFO is committed to protecting aquatic species at risk but in a cooperative manner that includes consultation and collaboration with stakeholders.

How much notice will be given of any new prohibitions?
Ongoing consultations will be held with stakeholders across Canada to ensure that new management measures and prohibitions are well publicized.

Will Canadians have a say in any new measures that are implemented as part of the Act?
Definitely. The Species at Risk Act will be successful only if all Canadians work together. All interested stakeholders will be consulted as new management measures are developed and implemented. The SARA registry also provides notice of public consultations and supports participation in decision making.

What is the SARA public registry?
The SARA public registry is an online service that provides timely access to key information and documents including status reports, species assessments, response statements, recovery strategies, action plans and management plans. The registry enables the public to monitor the progress of documents from draft stages to final publication, and provides the public with opportunities to provide comments and feedback. More information about the registry can be found at www.SARAregistry.gc.ca.

Can a species ever come off the list?
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) strives to re-examine the status of each species on its list at least every decade. All new and pertinent information on species is included in an update report. On the basis of the report, a species may be placed in a higher risk category if its status has worsened, remain in the same category, be down-listed to a lesser category, or even be removed from the list altogether.

How can I help?
Each and every one of us has a responsibility to ensure that we do everything possible to protect and recover species at risk. Be aware of the Act, and take steps to ensure that any activities, work or projects you undertake comply with it.

You can also get involved through the Habitat Stewardship Program which sponsors local initiatives to protect species at risk. For more information, visit the HSP site at www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/hsp-pih.