1. Sara Eddy Fisheries Protection Program Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Review of Projects in Redside Dace Habitat under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act
Sara Eddy
Fisheries Protection Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada

2. Key SARA protection clauses
SARA Prohibitions
Sec. 32. Individual Organisms
No killing, harming, harassing, buying, collecting, selling of extirpated, endangered or threatened species (Schedule 1)
Sec. 33. Residences
Only for species to which the concept of residence applies
Not yet defined for any aquatic species in Ontario
Sec. 58. Critical Habitat
Prohibits destruction of Critical Habitat once defined in a recovery strategy or action plan

3. When are SARA Permits Issued?
May be issued when:
Activity is for scientific research
Activity benefits the species
Affecting the species is incidental to the activity
The following pre-conditions are met:
All reasonable alternatives have been considered
Impacts will be minimized
The activity will not jeopardize survival or recovery of the species

4. Distribution of Federally Listed Aquatic SAR in Ontario
Currently 32 SARA-listed, aquatic species at risk in Ontario
21 fishes
11 mussels

5. Redside Dace – Ontario Distribution
Lake Huron
Two Tree
Saugeen
Gully
South Gully
Lake Erie
Irvine Creek
Lake Ontario
Spencer
Bronte
14 Mile
16 Mile
Credit
Humber
Don
Rouge
Duffins
Carruther’s
Lynde
Holland River
* Exist in 17 watersheds - extirpated in 8

6. Fisheries Act Serious Harm: Fish Habitat:
The death of fish or any permanent alteration to, or destruction of, fish habitat
Fish Habitat:
spawning grounds and any other areas, including nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas, on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes
Section 35(1) Prohibition for Serious Harm
No person shall carry on any work, undertaking or activity that results in serious harm to fish that are part of a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal fishery, or to fish that support such a fishery

7. DFO’s Integrated Regulatory Review
DFO guidance on “Projects Near Water” website:
Contact DFO in Ontario at:
Fisheries Protection Program Fisheries and Oceans Canada 867 Lakeshore Road Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1 Telephone:

8. DFO’s Integrated Regulatory Review
Proponents determine whether aquatic SAR are present
Then review FA/SARA self-assessment criteria and measures - does DFO need to review the project?
Note new Species at Risk considerations for Project Activity Types and Measures to Avoid Harm
If required, proponent submits a Request for Review to Fisheries Protection Program (FPP) Triage unit

9. LOA & SARA Permit Proponent submits Request for Review
Triage staff review and conclude SARA s.32 applies, but no FA “serious harm”
Project involves fish salvage (development related)
Need to be in compliance with SARA s.32
Send to Regulatory Review for SARA permit & LOA
Example: dewatering for new culvert placement

10. FA Authorization or SARA-Compliant Authorization
Regulatory Review staff review and conclude:
FA s.35(1) “serious harm” only – issue FA Authorization
SARA s.32 “harm” only, or with FA “serious harm” – consult with DFO SAR Biologist and OMNRF to determine whether to issue SARA-compliant FA Authorization
Completeness of application
Conduct consultation with Indigenous groups as required

11. Existing files
For existing projects for which an LOA or Authorization has been issued, need to ensure compliance with SARA
Proponent is to submit a SARA permit application and provide information on alternatives and mitigation measures related to the project

12. SARA Registry
All SARA permits and SARA Compliant Fisheries Act Authorizations are posted on the SARA Public Registry
Purpose, description, locations, species, pre-conditions (alternatives and mitigation measures)

13. General coordination principles (DFO/MNRF)
Coordinate with MNRF for streamlined approach avoiding duplication
Each legislation requires separate approvals
DFO integrating SARA reviews under Fisheries Act
Regular communication to discuss projects and coordination
Intent to align regulatory requirements for consistency of review and approvals
DFO maps = ESA mapping (for Redside Dace)

14. New Aquatic SAR Maps Webpage
Photo by G. Coker

15. Instructions on Use

16. NEW MAP

17. Determine Species Present

18. Questions?
We would now be pleased to address any questions you have or provide further clarification.