CANADA MOVES TO PROTECT FISH SPECIES AT RISK

Canada moves to protect fish species at risk. The Canadian fisheries minister, Jonathan Wilkinson, has signed six Critical Habitat Orders this year under the Species at Risk Act.

The approved Critical Habitat Orders will allow for further protection of these at-risk species: Hotwater Physa, Western Brook Lamprey (Morrison Creek population), Salish Sucker, Round Hickorynut, Kidneyshell, and Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (small-bodied population). These are all species with small habitat ranges, many existing in only one watershed in the country.

A Critical Habitat Order focuses on protecting the functions, features and attributes of a species’ critical habitat in specific geographical locations that are essential to its survival. Critical habitat may include areas where species give birth, hatch, feed or raise their young. Activities are permitted on a case-by-case basis within the critical habitat of a species, provided that any proposed activities are assessed to ensure that the activities will not result in the destruction of critical habitat. A Critical Habitat Order applies to any ongoing or future human activities that could result in the destruction of any part of the identified critical habitat of an at-risk species.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Over the past 50 years, the world’s wildlife populations have declined by 60%. Here in Canada, approximately 544 species have been identified as being at risk under the Species at Risk Act and the list is growing. The decline in biodiversity impacts both our natural environment, and the economy. That’s why, protecting, enhancing and conserving Canada’s species at risk and their habitats is a priority for our government. This funding will enable our partners, including Indigenous organizations across the country to improve our country’s biodiversity and the natural resources that Canadians rely on.”