Interpreting and applying the 2012 changes to the habitat-protection provisions of the Fisheries Act

Petition: 360

Issue(s): Biological diversity, compliance and enforcement, fisheries, governance

Petitioner(s): Resident of Canada

Petitioner Location(s): Halifax, Nova Scotia

Date Received: 11 March 2014

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petitioner is concerned about changes made to the habitat-protection provisions of the Fisheries Act that were passed by Parliament in 2012—in particular, how Fisheries and Oceans Canada is interpreting and applying the amended provisions. The petitioner asks the Department questions about its process, such as who decides which fish will be part of a commercial, recreational, or Aboriginal fishery, and how the Department carries out inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance with the amended provisions. The petitioner also asks whether the Department continues to use letters of advice for smaller projects.

Federal Departments Responsible for Reply: Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada