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Implementation Strategies to Support Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Theme III: Protecting Nature

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Implementation Strategies to SupportFederal Sustainable Development StrategyTheme III: Protecting Nature

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Implementation Strategies for Wildlife Conservation – Species at Risk

Demanding Performance

5.1.6 Enhance the Implementation of Species at Risk Act within Fisheries andOceans Canada and Environment Canada to Protect and Recover Species at RiskRelative to Their Respective Mandates

Implementation Strategies for Marine Ecosystems

Enabling Capacity

6.3.1 Develop a Federal-Provincial-Territorial Network of Marine Protected Areas

6.3.2 Adopt Eco-System-Based Approaches for Ocean Activities

6.3.3 Identify Indicators and Develop Draft Monitoring Plans for Existing MarineProtected Areas. (Completed. Details will be found in the DepartmentalPerformance Report for 2011-2012.)

Advancing Knowledge and Communications

6.3.4 Undertake Research to Improve Understanding of Marine Ecosystems andSupport Initiatives to Identify and Characterize Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems(Completed. Details will be found in the Departmental Performance Report for2011-2012.)

6.3.5 Provide Advice to Decision-Makers on Potential Impacts on Migratory Birdsand Species at Risk and Ecological Risks Associated With Specific High-PriorityOcean Activities

6.3.6 Develop State of Oceans Reports


6.3.7 Make Demonstrable Progress in Protecting Ecologically Significant MarineAreas by Identifying Six New Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act by2012

Implementation Strategies for Managing Threats to Ecosystems –Alien Invasive Species

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Federal SustainableDevelopment Strategy Goalsupported

5: Wildlife Conservation Maintain or restore populations of wildlife tohealthy levels.

Federal SustainableDevelopment Strategy Targetsupported

5.1: Terrestrial and Aquatic WildlifeConservation (Minister of Environment)Population trend (when available) at the time of

Enabling Capacity

6.4.3 Implement Canada's Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic InvasiveSpecies

Implementation Strategies for Sustainable Fisheries

Enabling Capacity

7.1.1 Deliver an Integrated Fisheries Program that is Credible, Science-Based,Affordable, Effective and Contributes to Sustainable Wealth for Canadians

7.1.2 Sustainable Development and Integrated Management of Resources in orAround Canada's Aquatic Environment through Oceans and Fish HabitatManagement


7.1.3 Undertake Research to Improve Understanding of Marine Ecosystems andKnowledge of Straddling Stocks and Highly Migratory Species such as Tuna,Swordfish and Greenland Halibut

7.1.4 Increase Knowledge of Fisheries Resources, Their Productivity and theEcosystem Factors Affecting Them

Implementation Strategies for Sustainable Aquaculture

Enabling Capacity

7.2.1 Deliver an Efficient Federal-Provincial Regulatory Management RegimeDeveloped Consistent With Regulatory Best Practices


7.2.2 Facilitate Implementation of Certification Initiatives and Support StandardsDevelopment

7.2.3 Develop and Release the First Report to Canadians on AquacultureSustainability


7.2.4 Increase the Science Knowledge Base Needed to Support InformedEcosystem-Based Environmental Regulation and Decision-Making, Especially that ofRegulatory-Based Programs such as Aquaculture Management

Implementation Strategies for Wildlife Conservation – Species at Risk


5.1.6 Enhance the Implementation of Species at Risk Act within Fisheries andOceans Canada and Environment Canada to Protect and Recover Species at RiskRelative to Their Respective Mandates



reassessment is consistent with the recoverystrategy for 100% of listed species at risk (forwhich recovery has been deemed feasible) by2020.

Link with Fisheries and OceansCanada Program ActivityArchitecture

Strategic Outcome: Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems

Program Activity: 2.5 Species at Risk Management

Expected Result Performance Indicator Target

Aquatic Species atRisk and their criticalhabitat are legallyprotected, conservedand restored.

Percentage of Aquatic Species atRisk whose status has improved orstayed the same.

To be determined (nobaseline established).

Performance Result

Of 10 listed aquatic species at risk re-assessed by COSEWIC in 2011-2012, therisk status for 9 has remained the same.


6: Ecosystem/Habitat Conservation andProtectionMaintain productive and resilient ecosystemswith the capacity to recover and adapt; andprotect areas in ways that leave themunimpaired for present and future generations.


6.3: Marine EcosystemsImprove the conservation of ocean areas andmarine ecosystems by 2012.

Description

The Species at Risk (SAR) Program supports the protection and recovery of aquaticspecies in Canada (except those on federal lands under the responsibility of ParksCanada) and in preventing them from becoming extirpated or extinct. The Species atRisk Act is a key federal government commitment. The evidence-based Species at RiskManagement Program is informed by the Department's scientific expertise, and considerssocio-economic, stakeholder and community knowledge.

Relationship to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

By facilitating the implementation of the Species at Risk Act and developing recoverystrategies for species at risk this activity directly contributes to the achievement ofTarget 5.1 Terrestrial Aquatic Wildlife Conservation.

Non-Financial Performance Information

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Develop a Federal-Provincial-Territorial Network of Marine ProtectedAreas

Enabling Capacity

6.3.1 Develop a Federal-Provincial-Territorial Network of Marine Protected Areas





Program Activity: 2.7 Integrated Oceans Management 2.7.1 Integrated Oceans Planning

Description

Canada has domestic and international targets to establish a national network of marineprotected areas by 2012. The Oceans Act (1996) calls for the establishment of a nationalnetwork of marine protected areas within the context of integrated oceans managementplans. Canada’s Oceans Strategy (2002) and the corresponding Canada’s Oceans ActionPlan (2005) and Health of the Oceans funding (2007) all further commit to makingsignificant progress in planning and advancing a national marine protected areas networkin Canada’s three oceans. Internationally, the 2002 World Summit on SustainableDevelopment Plan of Implementation includes establishment of representative networksof marine protected areas; the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity 2004Program of Work on Protected Areas has a goal of establishing a comprehensive marineprotected areas network within an overall ecosystem approach; and the 2010 Conferenceof the Parties to the CBD agreement to a global target of “at least... 10% of coastal andmarine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystemservices...conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologicallyrepresentative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures…integrated into the wider landscape and seascape” by2020.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Parks Canada, and Environment Canada each havespecific but complementary mandates for establishing marine protected areas. In 2005,these departments produced the Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy, which outlineshow their respective marine protected area programs can collectively contribute to anetwork. The provinces and territories with marine waters are also important partners inmarine protected area planning.

A National Framework for Canada’s Network of Marine Protected Areas has beenapproved in principle. It was drafted by DFO in collaboration with a federal-provincial-territorial Technical Experts Committee that was established by an Oceans Task Groupreporting to the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers. The NationalFramework provides direction for the design of a national network of marine protectedareas that will be composed of a number of bioregional networks. It outlines theoverarching vision, goals and guiding principles of the national network; establishes thedesign components and properties and eligibility criteria for which areas will contributeto the network; and otherwise provides the direction necessary to promote nationalconsistency in bioregional network planning.

Canada has adopted an integrated approach to the management of ocean-basedactivities, and is piloting this approach within five priority Large Ocean ManagementAreas. As the goal of Integrated Oceans Management is the sustainable development ofCanada’s ocean resources and the protection of at-risk ecosystems, planning forCanada’s national network of marine protected areas will employ Integrated OceansManagement processes at the bioregional level.


Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 6.3 calls for the improved conservationof ocean areas and marine ecosystems by 2012. Establishing a network of marineprotected areas will allow more effective conservation in a way that cannot be attainedby site-by-site marine protected area planning, for example by protecting important,geographically separate habitats throughout the life stages of mobile marine species(e.g., different breeding, nursery and feeding habitats of a marine mammal).




Bioregional networkplanners will beprogressing through acommon eight-stepplanning process forestablishingbioregional networksof marine protectedareas. The eight-stepplanning processprovides for thedevelopment ofbioregion-specificaction plans that willbe implemented asresources allow.

Performance will be assessed byevaluating progress made withrespect to the eight steps of theplanning process for establishingbioregional networks of marineprotected areas.

The eight steps are as follows:

1. Identify and involvestakeholders and others.

2. Compile availableinformation.

3. Set clear, measurablenetwork objectives andconservation targets for eachbioregion.

4. Apply network designfeatures and properties,identify areas of highconservation value andperform gap analysis.

5. Consider potential economicand social impacts; finalizenetwork design.

6. Finalize a bioregional networkaction plan that includes thenetwork sites, appropriateconservation measures andresponsible authorities.

7. Undertake site-specificplanning and implementation.

8. Manage and monitor themarine protected areanetwork.

Establishment of atleast three bioregionalnetworks followingthe eight-step processwill be underway by2012.

Performance Result

As of end of March 2012, four bioregions were progressing through the eight-stepplanning process for establishing bioregional MPA networks. MPA network planningis an iterative process, and often involves conducting activities under more thanone step at the same time.

In the Scotian Shelf bioregion, MPA network planners have carried out preliminaryconsultations with key stakeholders (step 1) and, in March 2012, a regionalscience advisory meeting was held to review the proposed conservation objectivesfor the network and the scientific data and methods that will be used in its design(steps 2, 3, and 4).

In the Pacific Northern Shelf bioregion, First Nations, stakeholders, and othergovernments agencies were engaged in a bioregional network planning workshopin March 2012 (step 1), where key considerations to guide bioregional MPAnetwork objective-setting activities were developed (step 3). A regional science




advisory workshop was held in February 2012 to review potential Ecologically andBiologically Significant Areas for the bioregion (step 2).

In the Gulf of St. Lawrence bioregion, a committee created under the Canada-Quebec St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011 - 2026 is leading MPA network planning.They have initiated steps 1 - 4 for the Quebec portion of the bioregion.

In the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves bioregion, an MPA network planningteam has been established and strategic partnerships have been developed (step1), traditional ecological knowledge has been collected for the coast and someoffshore areas, and preparatory work has been conducted to develop arepresentative area classification scheme for the bioregion (step 2).

By the end of March 2012, MPA network planners in the Western Arctic hadcompleted some preparatory work and were poised to begin moving through theeight step bioregional MPA network planning process.








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6.3.2 Adopt Eco-System-Based Approaches for Ocean Activities

Description

Canada has adopted an integrated approach to the management of ocean-basedactivities, an approach which includes ecosystem-based and science supported decision-making, the establishment of governance and advisory processes and the developmentof spatial plans. The ecosystem-based management approach considers the environmental impact of anactivity on the whole ecosystem; its structure and function and not simply the specificresource targeted. It involves taking into account the cumulative impact of all humanactivities on the ecosystem within that area.

Five Large Ocean Management Areas have been established in Canada and ecosystem-based decision support tools are being applied within these planning units to identifyecologically and biologically significant areas, species and community properties.Guidance has also been developed to define the conservation objectives associated withthese significant ecological features.


Ecosystem-based management, advanced through Integrated Oceans Management, willhelp to meet Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Target 6.3 by ensuring that the




Ecosystem-basedmanagementinitiatives, advancedthrough IntegratedOceans Management,will facilitate thesustainable use ofCanada’s oceanresources whilemeeting conservationneeds.

Development of integratedmanagement plans progressingthrough the six step IntegratedOceans Management PlanningProcess. The six steps are asfollows:

1. Define and Assess Area2. Engage Affected Interests3. Develop Integrated

Management Plan4. Endorsement of Plan by

Decision Making Authorities5. Implement Integrated

Management Plan6. Monitor, Evaluate and Revise

Integrated Management Plan

Five Large OceanManagement Areas:

Pacific North CoastIntegratedManagement Area;Placentia Bay/GrandBanks Large OceanManagement Area;Gulf of St. LawrenceIntegratedManagement Area;Beaufort Sea; andEastern Scotian ShelfIntegratedManagement Area.

Will have initiatedstep 5 of the six stepIntegrated OceansManagement PlanningProcess.

Performance Result

Large ocean management areas (LOMAs) are marine regions established forplanning purposes. Canada currently has five LOMAs off its west, north and eastcoasts. Integrated oceans management (IOM) plans are developed andimplemented for each LOMA. These Plans guide decision makers in establishingmanagement approaches for conservation, sustainable development and use ofcoastal and marine resources within the LOMA. By the end of the 2011-12 fiscalyear, three of the five LOMAs had developed and began implementation of theirIOM Plans.





cumulative impacts of ocean activities do not compromise the health of key marineecosystem components. This will help to improve the conservation of ocean areas andmarine ecosystems by 2012.


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6.3.3 Identify indicators and develop draft monitoring plans for existing MarineProtected Areas.





Program Activity: 2.7 Integrated Oceans Management


Science-basedindicators andmonitoring strategiesto inform themanagement ofexisting MarineProtected Areas.

Percentage of existing MarineProtected Areas for which indicatorsand monitoring strategies havebeen developed.

100%.

Performance Result

Indicators were identified and monitoring protocols and strategies were developedfor 6 out of 8 Marine Protected Areas (75%). Indicators and monitoring protocolsand strategies must be specific to the Conservation Objectives defined for a givenMPA. The two MPAs for which the indicators have not been identified, andconsequently monitoring protocols and strategies have not been developed, areMPAs that have broadly defined Conservation Objectives. Progress continues to bemade via the development of a stressors-based approach which will eventuallylead to the identification of indicators and subsequent development of monitoring

Description

As part of Canada’s Oceans Action Plan, the Canadian government committed to theestablishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas. Marine Protected Areas are oneamong other management tools that contribute to the improved health, integrity andproductivity of our marine ecosystems and help advance integrated ocean management. More specifically, they are intended to protect and conserve commercial and non-commercial fishery resources and their habitats, endangered marine species and theirhabitats, unique habitats, and marine areas of high biodiversity or biological productivity.

To date, the Department has established eight Marine Protected Areas. To assess theeffectiveness of Marine Protected Areas against their intended purpose, the Department’sscience program will support the identification of science-based indicators for theconservation objectives of Marine Protected Areas. Once indicators have been identified,monitoring strategies will be developed. These strategies will provide guidance onincorporating ecosystem indicators into monitoring programs and will facilitateappropriate quality assurance when these indicators are used.


Indicators and monitoring strategies for Marine Protected Areas are necessary to assessthe effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas in meeting their stated conservationobjectives and the need for adaptations and adjustments to their respectivemanagement framework so that their role in the conservation of Canada’s ocean areasand marine ecosystems is fully realized.




protocols and strategies.






Strategic Outcome: Economically Prosperous Maritime Sectors andFisheries

Program Activity: 1.7 International Affairs


Identification ofecologically andbiologically significantareas and vulnerablemarine ecosystems ininternational waters.

Number of science projectscompleted to identify ecologicallyand biologically significant areasand vulnerable marine ecosystemsin international waters.

7

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6.3.4 Undertake research to improve understanding of marine ecosystems andsupport initiatives to identify and characterize vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Description

Canada was instrumental in building consensus for the 2006 United Nations GeneralAssembly Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries. The Resolution was a watershed momentin the history of high seas fisheries as it provided a roadmap to identify and protectvulnerable marine ecosystems, at the same time allowing responsible fisheries tocontinue. Since then, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has made significant progressidentifying and protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems, as well as promoting thisapproach within regional management organizations and at the global level. Throughour research, the Department’s science program has a leading role to play in identifyingand characterizing vulnerable marine ecosystems and ecologically and biologicallysignificant areas as well as in the improvement of sustainable fishing practices andharvesting strategies. Canada remains a champion of sustainable fisheries and willcontinue to provide strong global leadership in protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems.


Identification and characterization of vulnerable marine ecosystems in internationalwaters informs the sustainable management of international marine ecosystems byCanada and other countries.




Performance Result

7 projects were undertaken as planned and are ongoing. Two of these projectshelped identify Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in international waters. These twoprojects informed the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, resulting in theextension of a closure boundary for the protection of vulnerable marineecosystems. The remaining 5 projects are helping to identify both ecologically andbiologically significant areas and vulnerable marine ecosystems for domesticwaters in the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic.







Program Activity: 2.7 Integrated Oceans Management

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6.3.5 Provide Advice to Decision-Makers on Potential Impacts on Migratory Birdsand Species at Risk and Ecological Risks Associated With Specific High-PriorityOcean Activities

Description

Multiple and sometimes conflicting use of oceans requires the integrated management ofmarine environments and resources be informed by an ecosystem-science basedapproach. This approach is interdisciplinary in nature and delivers a more comprehensiveunderstanding of ocean variables and their interactions, both living and non-living, andultimately how human activities have the potential to impact marine ecosystems. Thisknowledge informs the development of ecosystem assessments and status reports,marine conservation and ecosystem-based management tools including risk assessmenttools, ecosystem indicators, climate change adaptation, and cumulative impactassessments for use by policy and decision-makers in the integrated management ofmarine environments.

The Department’s science program will provide scientific assessment and advice withregard to the potential environmental impacts and ecological risks associated withspecific high-priority ocean activities identified by the oceans, habitat management, andspecies at risk program within the Department. Science will also conduct review andadvisory meetings for priority oceans activities.


Science advice and information on the ecological risks and impacts associated with




Decision-makers havescience advice andinformation to supportthe integratedmanagement ofmarine environmentsand resources.

Percentage of requests for scienceadvice on ecological risks andimpacts associated with specifichigh-priority ocean activities,approved by senior management,that are completed.

90%

Performance Result

Received and completed 7 requests for advice on ecological risks and impactsassociated with specific high-priority ocean activities.






Strategic Outcome: Safe and Secure Waters

Program Activity: 3.8 Ocean Forecasting

specific high-priority ocean activities (e.g. oil and gas development, aquaculture, impactof fishing gear, etc.) improves our understanding of the potential effects of proposedprojects on marine ecosystems, what types of activities may exist in which locations,what types of activities may co-exist, the possible interactions between activities, andthe effects on marine ecosystem.


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6.3.6 Develop State of Oceans reports

Description

As a maritime nation bordered by three oceans and having an extensive network ofinland waters, Canada has a vested interest in understanding ocean processes to enablethe prediction of ocean conditions and sea state as well as their influence on other earthsystems such as global climate. This is accomplished through research and the long termmonitoring of key ocean parameters (e.g. temperature, sea level, nutrients, tides,salinity, etc.) and the management of data to ensure its integrity and accessibility.


Monitoring and reporting on ocean conditions provides a synopsis of their present stateand how they are changing, and how these changes might affect commercial and non-commercial living resources. State of Oceans reports make a valuable contribution to ourunderstanding of oceans and the conservation of ocean areas and marine ecosystems.




Decision-makers andCanadians haveaccess to informationon the state ofCanadian oceans.

Completion of State of Oceansreports.

100%

Performance Result

Canada’s State of the Oceans Report, 2012 was released on August 13, 2012.









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6.3.7 Make Demonstrable Progress in Protecting Ecologically Significant MarineAreas by Identifying Six New Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act by2012

Description

The Oceans Act (1996) mandates the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada todesignate Marine Protected Areas for one or more of the following reasons:

the conservation and protection of commercial and non-commercial fisheryresources, including marine mammals, and their habitats;the conservation and protection of endangered or threatened marine species, andtheir habitats;the conservation and protection of unique habitats;the conservation and protection of marine areas of high biodiversity or biologicalproductivity; andthe conservation and protection of any other marine resource or habitat as isnecessary to fulfil the mandate of the Minister.

In order to protect these important marine features, each Oceans Act Marine ProtectedArea is unique in its design and management regime. Oceans Act Marine Protected Areasdo not necessarily include no-take zones (areas where all extractive activities areprohibited), but rather prohibits only activities which are incompatible with the

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New Marine ProtectedAreas will bedesignated to protectecologically significantmarine areas, and willtherefore help tomaintain the health ofthose ecosystems.

Number of new Marine ProtectedAreas established by 2012.

Six new MarineProtected Areas willbe established by2012.

Performance Result

Eight Marine Protected Areas were established from 2003 to 2010. Since 2010,seven Areas of Interest have been approved and are working toward designation.



Federal SustainableDevelopment Strategy Target

6.4: Managing Threats to EcosystemsThreats of new alien invasive species entering

conservation objectives of the Marine Protected Area.

Canada’s Oceans Action Plan (2005) serves as the overarching umbrella for coordinatingand implementing oceans activities, and as the framework to sustainably develop andmanage our oceans. This plan describes four inter-connected pillars: InternationalLeadership, Sovereignty and Security; Integrated Oceans Management for SustainableDevelopment; Health of the Oceans; and Ocean Science and Technology. The designationof Marine Protected Areas to protect important, productive and biologically diverse areasand vulnerable species is recognized in Canada’s Oceans Action Plan as a key componentof the Health of the Oceans pillar. As one of their commitments under the Health of theOceans initiative, DFO has commited to the establishment of six new Marine ProtectedAreas by 2012 (baseline is February 2007).


The ecological benefits of Marine Protected Areas have been well documented in thescientific literature. Marine Protected Areas can protect important habitats, enhancemarine biodiversity, and improve an ecosystem’s ability to recover from to disturbanceslike storms or oil spills. Therefore, protecting ecologically significant marine areasthrough the establishment of new Marine Protected Areas will help to improve theconservation of ocean areas and marine ecosystems by 2012, in accordance with FederalSustainable Development Strategy Target 6.3


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Implementation Strategies for Managing Threats to Ecosystems –Alien Invasive Species

Enabling Capacity

6.4.3 Implement Canada's Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic InvasiveSpecies

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supported Canada are understood and reduced by 2015.



Program Activity: 2.8 Aquatic Invasive Species


Introduction ofaquatic invasivespecies is minimizedand the impact ofexisting ones isremediated.

Percentage completion of activitiesthat support the implementation ofCanada’s Action Plan to Addressthe Threat of Aquatic InvasiveSpecies.

100% of plannedactivities fundedunder Canada’s ActionPlan to Address theThreat of AquaticInvasive Species arecompleted withinspecified timelines.

Performance Result

100% of planned activities funded under Canada’s Action Plan to Address theThreat of Aquatic Invasive Species are completed within specified timelines.

Description

Aquatic invasive species are a major threat to aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem health,and the fisheries and aquaculture industries that healthy and productive ecosystemssustain. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates invasive alien speciesas the second-worst threat to biodiversity, after habitat loss. Recognizing the seriousnessof this threat, in 2004 the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministersdeveloped the Canadian Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species.The objective of the Action Plan is to prevent the introduction of new invasions, detectnew invaders early, respond rapidly to new invaders, and, where necessary, manageestablished and spreading invaders.

Knowledge derived through science activities, such as research on pathways of invasion,methodologies to detect new invasions, risk assessments, and control measures,supports Canadian and international regulation, agreements, and the development ofmanagement frameworks in support of Canada’s Action Plan.


Marine and freshwater ecosystems continue to be impacted by biodiversity loss. Biodiversity is essential to maintain healthy and productive aquatic ecosystems, which inturn, are a necessary precursor for long-term environmental and economic prosperity. Introductions of aquatic invasive species can result in damage to sensitive ecosystems,as well as fisheries, aquaculture, municipal infrastructure, tourism and other importantindustries. Aquatic invasive species are entering Canada with increasing frequency andpose a growing domestic threat to Canada’s long-term competitiveness, protection of itsnatural environment, and well-being of its citizens.


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Implementation Strategies for Sustainable Fisheries

Enabling Capacity




7: Biological Resources Sustainable production and consumption ofbiological resources are within ecosystem limits.


7.1: Sustainable FisheriesImprove the management and conservation ofmajor stocks.



Program Activity: 1.1 Integrated Fisheries Resource Management 1.2 Fisheries Strategies and Governance


Fisheries Managementeffectively respondsto the economicforces andconservationobjectives that impactthe fishery.

Percentage of Integrated FisheriesManagement Plans in whichSustainable Fisheries Frameworktools are implemented.

20% by March 31,2012.

Performance Result

7.1.1 Deliver an Integrated Fisheries Program that is Credible, Science-Based,Affordable, Effective and Contributes to Sustainable Wealth for Canadians

Description

This program delivers modernized governance and decision making frameworks, policies,strategies, programs and plans (i.e. Integrated Fisheries Management Plans andConservation and Harvesting Plans, Rebuilding Plans, Recovery Strategies and ActionPlans) necessary, as determined through engagement processes and policy reviews, tosupport a robust and diverse fisheries sector that is competitive, economically prosperousand sustainable.

These tools are developed under the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act and relatedregulations, in consultation with Aboriginal groups, provinces and industry, to manage,protect and conserve fisheries resources. The program contributes to sustainability andprovides for the allocation and distribution of harvestable resources among thosedependent on the resource. The program, informed by the scientific assessment of thestatus of fish, invertebrate and marine mammals, works to provide Canadians with asustainable fishery resource that provides for an economically viable and diverseindustry.

The overall objective is to support a modern fisheries management and decision-makingregime that is accountable, predictable and transparent to the people it governs andrespects Aboriginal and treaty rights.


This program’s activities ensure long-term sustainability of the fishery and support theFederal Sustainable Development Strategy goal, Protecting Nature; specifically by:

ensuring environmental stewardship over water resources; andprotecting biodiversity and managing ecosystems sustainably.




31.4% (2010)


Collaborative andtransparentconsultations improvegovernance across allfisheries.

Percentage of fisheriesmanagement consultation /engagement processes made publicand recorded.

80% by March 31,2012.

Performance Result

DFO regions and sectors help ensure transparency in decision-making bycontinuing to log and monitor various consultations using a range of methods

suited to the purpose.


Increase stability,transparency andpredictability infisheriesmanagement.

Percentage of major stocks(Atlantic and Pacific) with stablesharing arrangements.

75% by March 31,2012.

Performance Result

99%; Adjusted sharing arrangement for Atlantic and Pacific Halibut as a result ofa Ministerial decision. All other sharing arrangements remained stable.


Issuance of catchcertificates.

Percentage of priority areasaddressed

90% by March 31,2012.

Performance Result

99.54%; Issued 12,903 catch certificates with 12,844 completed within servicestandard.


Completed FisheryChecklists for majorstocks.

Percentage of Fishery Checklistscompleted for major stocks on anannual basis.

90% by March 31,2012.



Performance Result

95.5%; Received 148 of 155 checklists. Outstanding 7 checklists delayed due tourgent regional priorities; expected to be received shortly.







Program Activity: See description below.

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7.1.2 Sustainable Development and Integrated Management of Resources in orAround Canada's Aquatic Environment through Oceans and Fish HabitatManagement

Description

Departmental restructuring has resulted in the work associated with this implementationstrategy having been subsumed under the following existing implementation strategies:

5.1.6 Enhance the implementation of SARA within DFO and EC to protect andrecover species at risk relative to their respective mandates.6.3.1 Develop a federal-provincial-territorial network of Marine Protected Areas.6.3.2 Adopt eco-system-based approaches for ocean activities.6.3.3 Identify indicators and develop draft monitoring plans for existing MarineProtected Areas.6.3.4 Undertake research to improve understanding of marine ecosystems andsupport initiatives to identify and characterize vulnerable marine ecosystems.6.3.5 Provide advice to decision-makers on potential impacts on migratory birdsand species at risk and ecological risks associated with specific high-priority oceanactivities.6.3.6 Develop State of Oceans reports.6.3.7 Make demonstrable progress in protecting ecologically significant marineareas by identifying six new Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act by 2012.6.4.3 Implement Canada's Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic InvasiveSpecies.7.1.3 Undertake research to improve understanding of marine ecosystems andknowledge of straddling stocks and highly migratory species such as tuna,swordfish and Greenland halibut.7.1.4 Increase knowledge of fisheries resources, their productivity and theecosystem factors affecting them.

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7.1.3 Undertake Research to Improve Understanding of Marine Ecosystems andKnowledge of Straddling Stocks and Highly Migratory Species such as Tuna,Swordfish and Greenland Halibut









Program Activity: 1.7 International Affairs


Sustainableinternational fisheriesmanagement andmarine ecosystems.

Undertake approximately 20science research projects to helpdeliver science advice for policydevelopment and decision-makingin international fora (e.g. NorthwestAtlantic Fisheries Organization,Inter-American Tropical TunaCommission, United NationsGeneral Assembly, Convention onBiological Diversity).

Complete 100% ofplanned researchprojects.

Performance Result

23 science research projects were undertaken to help deliver science advice for

Description

The legal basis for international fisheries management is the United Nations Conventionon the Law of the Sea. From this convention, the United Nations Fish Stock Agreementwas developed to address the conservation and management of straddling fish stocksand highly migratory fish stocks. Under this United Nations framework, Regional FisheriesManagement Organizations are responsible for managing fish stocks on the high seasand are composed of members from different fishing nations. Science, being fact based, independent, and peer reviewed, is often called upon insupport of international relations. The Department’s science program will conductresearch to acquire, synthesize and interpret scientific data to better understand highseas fisheries and their supporting ecosystems in support of international decision-making on marine ecosystems, straddling stocks and highly migratory species. Increased scientific knowledge of marine ecosystems and straddling stocks will ensuresound, peer-reviewed science to support Canada’s leadership role in the sustainablemanagement and international governance of the fisheries resources. DFO is committedto maintaining sustainable aquatic ecosystems within Canada’s maritime boundaries andbeing an influential presence in the international fora occupied with these issues.


Improving the management and conservation of international marine ecosystems, highseas and straddling stocks through science-based decision-making will improve thesustainability of the worlds oceans and in turn result in healthy and productive fisheriesin Canadian waters.




policy development and decision-making in international fora.







Program Activity: 1.1 Integrated Fisheries Resource Management


Decision-makers havescience advice andinformation tomanage fisheriesresources.

Percentage of requests for scienceadvice on fisheries resources,approved by senior managementthat are completed.

90%

Performance Result

91 percent (53 out of 58) of requests for science advice on fisheries resources,approved by senior management, have been completed.

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7.1.4 Increase Knowledge of Fisheries Resources, Their Productivity and theEcosystem Factors Affecting Them

Description

Through monitoring, research, and information and data management the scienceprogram at Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides an assessment of the status (e.g.growth, abundance, recruitment, distribution, and migration, etc.) and conservationobjectives for fish, invertebrate and marine mammals in support of the sustainablemanagement of the Canada’s fisheries and aquatic resource. Science advice is providedto fisheries management to inform decisions on sustainable harvest levels through theDepartment’s Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat. The Canadian Science AdvisorySecretariat coordinates the peer review of scientific issues for the Department. Theprovision of advice is shifting from a traditional single-species delivery approach toproviding more comprehensive and ecosystem-based advice to support the managementof the fisheries.


Increased knowledge of fisheries resources, their productivity and the ecosystem factorsaffecting them will improve the management and conservation of major stocks byproviding for a more comprehensive understanding of aquatic resources that will help toensure sustainable fisheries.







7.2: Sustainable AquacultureTo promote the conservation and optimum useof marine resources and the aquaticenvironment through improved aquaculturemanagement by 2014.



Program Activity: 1.4 Sustainable Aquaculture Program


Successful Percentage aquaculture 100% by March 31,

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Implementation Strategies for Sustainable Aquaculture

Enabling Capacity

7.2.1 Deliver an Efficient Federal-Provincial Regulatory Management RegimeDeveloped Consistent With Regulatory Best Practices

Description

Aquaculture Regulatory Reform is an activity of the Sustainable Aquaculture Program.The intent of this activity is to improve the current environmental management regimefor aquaculture, and consequently provide industry with a more efficient and transparentmanagement regime. The Canadian aquaculture sector is managed through acombination of federal and provincial legislation, regulations and programs. To implementthis priority, a federal, provincial/territorial Framework for Aquaculture EnvironmentalManagement established a vision of developing and implementing a credible, science-informed, efficient, effective, and coordinated environmental regulatory regime thatpromotes healthy ecosystems, economic prosperity and improved governance for theCanadian aquaculture sector.

The guiding principles of this reform are such that the Canadian aquacultureenvironmental management regime be designed and delivered in a manner that:

recognizes the contribution of aquaculture to sustainable use of aquatic resources;demonstrates transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency;incorporates best available science and monitoring information;engages First Nations, and industry and other key stakeholders; andreflects collaborative federal-provincial/territorial governance.


An effective regulatory regime is one that will ensure that aquaculture environmentalimpacts are within ecosystem limits while optimizing efficient resource use. In this way,the Aquaculture Regulatory Reform activities of the Sustainable Aquaculture Program willdirectly and indirectly contribute to the achievement of Target 7.2 SustainableAquaculture.




implementation of theAquacultureRegulatory Reformwill result in anefficient, effective andtransparent federal-provincial-territorialregulatorymanagement regimedeveloped to beconsistent withregulatory bestmanagementpractices.

environmental managementframeworks and policies completedversus planned.

2012

Performance Result

Work to reduce regulatory authorities was completed with the number of permitsin British Columbia reduced from six to one. The work in British Columbia todevelop a federal/provincial approach to aquaculture management incorporatingregulatory best management practices progressed as planned in that the Federal-provincial release of aquaculture substances regulatory regime is underway toaddress 70% of environmental management streamlining. Policy work to supportthe development of the regulatory regime was mostly met with the first suite ofBritish Columbia frameworks and policies signed and Suite II now underway.








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7.2.2 Facilitate Implementation of Certification Initiatives and Support StandardsDevelopment

Description

Certification and Sustainability Reporting is an activity of the Sustainable AquacultureProgram. The goal of Certification and Sustainability Reporting is to have a Canadianaquaculture sector well positioned to meet market demands for high value features suchas certification for social, economic, and environmental performance. Activities includethe development or adaptation and early adoption of certification programs, datacollection and management to define and describe sustainability, and targetedcommunications with stakeholders.




The Canadianaquaculture industrysector develops andadopts internationallyrecognizedcertification initiatives.

Percentage of Canadian aquacultureproducers certified environmentallysustainable or positioned toimplement certification programs.

80% by March 31,2012.

Performance Result

Work on the National Standard for Organic Aquaculture was completed with theadoption of the Standard by the Canadian Standards Board. ISO standarddevelopment work is on track. The implications for DFO of third party standardsfor certification was being assessed and an evaluation program was 95%completed.








Independent third-party certification has become an accepted way of measuring andensuring sustainable practices in the conduct of the fisheries industry and increasingly,aquaculture operations. Certification provides transparency of management regimes,helps ensure accuracy of statistics and validity of claims, and improves industryperformance on sustainability issues. An increasing number of global fish and seafoodbuyers are requiring certification as a way of obtaining assurance that a product, processor service conforms to the specified requirements of any of the standards that now existfor the aquaculture sector. For industry, the ability to become certified is viewed as anobjective demonstration of a company’s commitment to safe and sustainable production.


By facilitating the implementation of certification initiatives and supporting thedevelopment of aquaculture standards, this activity indirectly contributes to theachievement of Target 7.2 Sustainable Aquaculture by providing a driver for improvedindustry performance in sustainability issues.


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7.2.3 Develop and Release the First Report to Canadians on AquacultureSustainability



Expected Result PerformanceIndicator

Target

Successful implementation of theAquaculture Sustainability ReportingInitiative will result in annual reportingthat builds on results and relationshipsto provide increasingly relevantinformation. By providing increasedtransparency and valued information,the Aquaculture Sustainability ReportingInitiative will serve the needs ofnational and regional governments,industry, First Nations and otherinterests to foster a sustainableaquaculture sector in Canada and allowa more informed evaluation of thesocial, economic and environmentaldimensions of aquaculture.

Publishing of anannual AquacultureSustainabilityReporting Initiativereport.

Begin publishingannual reports in2011.

Performance Result

Indicator themes were identified through consultations with various stakeholders. Atechnical working group identified priority indicators and all indicators were developedas planned, plus extensive groundwork completed to develop further indicators.Aquaculture 2012: A Report on Aquaculture Sustainability was prepared forpublication.



Federal SustainableDevelopment Strategy Target

7.2: Sustainable AquacultureTo promote the conservation and optimum use

Description

The Aquaculture Sustainability Reporting Initiative is an activity of the SustainableAquaculture Program. The goal of the Aquaculture Sustainability Reporting Initiative is toprovide a regular cycle of fact-based and relevant reporting on the sustainability ofaquaculture in Canada. This reporting process aims to establish a methodology,structure, data sources and data management process to report to Canadians on theenvironmental, social and economic status and trends of aquaculture in Canada.


This activity aims to enhance the information base supporting improved aquaculturemanagement, which directly contributes to the achievement of Target 7.2 SustainableAquaculture. Indirectly, the reporting process aims to encourage improvedenvironmental, social and economic management practices in aquaculture regulation andoperations, contributing to the achievement of Target 7.2 Sustainable Aquaculture.


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7.2.4 Increase the Science Knowledge Base Needed to Support InformedEcosystem-Based Environmental Regulation and Decision-Making, Especially thatof Regulatory-Based Programs such as Aquaculture Management



Date Modified: 2012-11-14Top of Page

Important Notices

supported of marine resources and the aquaticenvironment through improved aquaculturemanagement by 2014.





Aquaculture researchinforms high priorityGovernment ofCanada, provincial,and territorialregulatory decisions

Alignment of research with therequirements of regulatorydecisions as measured bypercentage of regulators reporting'satisfaction'.

Between 80%-100%of regulators reporting'satisfaction' withalignment of research.

Performance Result

Greater than or equal to 80% of regulators reported satisfaction with alignmentof research by March 31, 2012.

Description

The Aquaculture Regulatory Science Program was established to support high priorityrequirements for aquaculture regulatory research undertaken by departmentalresearchers. The knowledge derived from this research will support Federal, Provincialand Territorial requirements associated with the development of the framework foraquaculture environmental management. Research priorities under AquacultureRegulatory Science Program will be based on regulatory management requirements andneeds in research areas such as ecosystem carrying capacity, ecosystem indicators ofaquaculture effects on fish habitat, genetic and ecological interactions of wild andcultured fish, environmental considerations in the siting and management of aquacultureoperations, and fish health management.


Science has an important role to play in supporting the Department’s commitment toimproved aquaculture management. This research results in more scientific certainty toinform ecosystem-based environmental regulation and decision-making with a view toensuring that the anticipated growth of aquaculture can take place in a mannerconsistent with the assimilative capacity of the natural aquatic environment andCanada’s commitment to sustainable development.


http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/notices-avis-eng.htm

fisheries and oceans canada · 2013-11-29 · canada has adopted an integrated approach to the...

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