CANADA PROPOSES FISH SPECIES UNDER RISK RECLASSIFICATION

Canada proposes fish species under risk reclassification. The Government of Canada has proposed, consistent with scientific advice, that 32 aquatic species are to be added to or reclassified under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). These species include 23 freshwater fishes and nine molluscs.
As well, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson. proposed the Shortfin Mako shark, designated as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), for reconsideration based on information that was not available at the time COSEWIC assessed its status.
The status of several species has improved and the Government of Canada is proposing to reclassify these species to a lower risk category. These species are: Pugnose Shiner, Salish Sucker, Striped Bass (St. Lawrence River), Mapleleaf (Saskatchewan-Nelson Rivers), Mapleleaf (Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence), Rainbow, and Eastern Pondmussel. Unfortunately, several other species have been found in worse condition, or were newly identified as being at risk.
The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change will consider comments and any additional information received. Decisions to protect species under SARA are based on many considerations including assessments by COSEWIC and other scientific advice, consultations with Canadians, Indigenous Peoples and Communities, and industry and an evaluation of the potential socio-economic impacts on communities.