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Risk Management

The program wide Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a science-based decision making framework that categorizes risks to fish and fish habitat associated with development proposals, communicates these risks to proponents, and identifies appropriate management options to reduce risks. The RMF further allows Program resources and efforts to be re-allocated from the review of routine, low risk, predictable reviews towards the review of those projects that pose the highest risk to fish habitat across the country. Last year, the RMF was piloted successfully in a number of cases, including the Yukon Placer mining industry, which formed the foundation of a new integrated regulatory regime for this industry.

The Risk Management Framework is made up of three components which include Aquatic Effects Assessment (the Pathways of Effects), Risk Assessment and Risk Management. An overarching principle which applies to all components of the Risk Management Framework is risk communication. Effective communication enables proponents and other stakeholders to understand the potential risks that development activities pose to fish and fish habitat and the methods to avoid or minimize the risk to acceptable levels.

Aquatic Effects Assessment

This is a process for FHMP practitioners and proponents to identify and assess the potential effects of development proposals on fish and fish habitat. It uses a series of diagrams or Pathways of Effects to show how activities result in effects to fish and fish habitat. The diagrams identify where mitigation measures should be applied to eliminate or reduce these effects. When mitigation measures cannot be applied, or only partially reduce the final effect then this process identifies the residual negative effects.

Risk Assessment

This is a process for HMP Practitioners to determine the level of risk of those effects that have not been mitigated. These are referred to as residual effects. Risk is categorized according to the scale of the effect; and the fish and fish habitat sensitivities in the location of the proposed activity.

Risk Management

Once the risk to fish and fish habitat has been categorized, FHMP Practitioners can use the results to support and guide their decision on how to best manage the risk. To manage residual negative effects to fish and fish habitat, the FHMP Practitioner establishes the habitat protection requirements with the proponent to reduce risk to the lowest practical and acceptable levels. These requirements may be contained in guidelines for the proponent to incorporate into their plans or may be specific measures contained in the conditions of a Fisheries Act Authorization.

For further information please consult the Practitioner's Guide to the Risk Management Framework for DFO Habitat Management Staff.