Forty-two Species Added for Protection Under the Species at Risk Act

OTTAWA, August 24, 2006 – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the addition of 32 land-based species and 10 aquatic species to Schedule 1, the list of species protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

"I am very pleased that we are taking action today to protect and save some very precious species from the north pacific right whale and the ancient murrelet to the green sturgeon. We are listing an incredible array of species that are currently in jeopardy," said Environment Minister Rona Ambrose. "Protecting species at risk, helps us to ensure a safe future for our wild life and wild places and will allow future generations to enjoy and experience their presence."

Last fall the Governor in Council (GiC), on the recommendation of the Minister of the Environment, acknowledged receipt of 46 COSEWIC species assessments. This action initiated the nine month timeline for the GiC to decide on whether or not to add the species to SARA, or refer the assessments back to COSEWIC. Of the 46 species, 33 were terrestrial species and 13 were aquatic species. That number increased to 18 aquatic species by treating each population of six white sturgeon populations as a separate species.

Eight aquatic species will not be listed at this time, including five populations of beluga whales, the porbeagle shark and two populations of white sturgeon.

"Our focus continues to be the long-term health of these aquatic species," said Minister Hearn. "We will continue to enforce the protections offered by the Fisheries Act, while pursuing action plans to help these species recover. This approach allows us some flexibility to ensure that we don't negatively affect the fishing industry as we focus on helping these species make a comeback. These are both worthwhile goals, and I believe they can both be achieved."

The rationale for not listing these aquatic species is highlighted in the backgrounder (see below).

The Verna's flower moth will not be listed at this time, but be referred back to COSEWIC for further information and consideration, given the limited information on this species.

The implementation of the Species at Risk Act reinforces the Government of Canada's commitment to ensure the protection for species at risk and their ecosystems.

The notice of the addition of 32 land-based species and 10 aquatic species to Schedule 1, the list of species protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II September 6, 2006.

More information regarding the Species at Risk Act is available on the SARA Public Registry.

Related Documents:

• Rationale for recommendations to not list species under the Species at Risk Act [backgrounder]
• Species at Risk Act Listing Process
• 42 New Species Listed under SARA

For more information, please contact: