OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 29, 2016) - The Government of Canada is following through on its commitment and the desire of Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast to take action to protect species at risk. Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that 12 aquatic species are being proposed for listing under the Species at Risk Act.
The species proposed to be protected under the Act were published in Canada Gazette Part I on August 27, 2016 for public consultations. Canadians will have 30 days to provide comments.
Decisions to protect species under the Act are based on assessments by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and other scientific advice. Decisions are also informed and guided by extensive consultations with the public, communities, Indigenous groups and industry. Science advice is a key component of the decision, as are the potential socio-economic impacts on Canadians and their communities.
Once a species is formally listed under the Act, a plan is developed to determine the best way to help it survive and recover. The government works with scientists, industries, local fishing organizations, Indigenous groups and affected communities to develop strategies and plans. All Canadians play a role in helping to protect species at risk and their recovery.
Species proposed for listing
Not all species identified by COSEWIC are listed, including in this listing batch, the Atlantic bluefin tuna and the Yellowmouth rockfish, though these and other species do have protections under the Fisheries Act, the Oceans Act, the Canada National Parks Act, as well as a number of provincial, territorial and municipal legislative tools and other non-legislative tools.
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"The actions taken by the Government of Canada to protect these vulnerable species demonstrate our commitment to nurturing Canada's wildlife and biodiversity. We promised to respond quickly to the advice of scientists, and today's announcement demonstrates that we will follow through on that promise."
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
Associated Links
Canada Gazette, Part 1: Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act
Learn more about Aquatic Species at Risk
Learn more about the Species at Risk Public Registry
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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