FAQs

The ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ (the Framework) is a policy guide being developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to improve conservation outcomes for aquatic species at risk across Canada through use of multi-species approaches, such as place- and threat-based approaches.

The focus of the Framework is aquatic species at risk listed under the Species at Risk Act as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern. Multi-species approaches can help improve conservation outcomes for aquatic species at risk by providing a means to address the needs of multiple species at the same time. Single species approaches to conservation will continue to be used where needed.

The Framework will outline the principles, considerations, and best practices for implementing multi-species approaches.

Engagement with Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories, interested partners, stakeholders and the public is essential in developing the Framework.

DFO’s engagement plan includes two main phases.

Phase 1 (June 2022-November 2022) – Key Concepts

Phase 1 of engagement was focused on key concepts related to multi-species approaches. Engagement consisted of six nationally hosted engagement sessions and eight regionally hosted sessions, as well as a survey, presentation materials, factsheet and Frequently Asked Questions shared with session participants and posted on DFO’s 'Talk Fish Habitat’ website. Engagement sessions were also held with the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk, Provinces and Territories, and the Chairs of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

More information about the first phase of engagement sessions and feedback can be found in the “What We Heard Report” which will be shared once available.

Phase 2 (May 2023-November 2023) – Discussion Paper

Based on feedback received in Phase 1, DFO has developed Discussion Paper to solicit input on proposed principles, considerations, and ideas for implementing multi-species approaches. This Discussion Paper is the focus of Phase 2 engagement, from May 2023 until November 2023.

Similar to Phase 1, Phase 2 of engagement includes nationally and regionally hosted sessions across Canada, as well as supporting materials. DFO plans to incorporate feedback and finalize the Framework for publication in 2024.

Multi-species approaches are conservation approaches which consider multiple species collectively, rather than single species individually. Overall conservation outcomes can be improved by using these approaches because conservation actions can address the needs of multiple species at risk at the same time. Multi-species approaches can also be proactive, benefitting other species beyond those at risk, and maintain ecosystem function and resiliency.

Types of multi-species approaches include:

• Place-based approaches – conservation actions for multiple species at risk found in the same place.
• Threat-based approaches – conservation actions to address or mitigate a threat that affects multiple species at risk in a similar way.
• Species-based approaches – conservation actions that can be applied to multiple populations or Designatable Units of aquatic species at risk because they are biologically similar.
• Ecosystem-based approaches – conservation actions that are applied to an ecosystem as a whole, taking into consideration water, land, and living resources and their interactions.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) intends to use multi-species approaches where it makes sense to do so, recognizing that single species approaches will still be needed. The ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ will provide guidance for identifying opportunities to improve conservation outcomes using multi-species approaches.

Opportunities for DFO to use multi-species approaches may include:

• Multi-species approaches for recovery actions
• Multi-species approaches for research and monitoring activities
• Collaborative networks with partners and stakeholders to address or mitigate a particular threat or threats.

DFO intends to use multi-species approaches where it makes sense to do so, by taking conservation actions to address the needs of multiple species at risk at the same time. The ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ will provide guidance for identifying opportunities to improve conservation outcomes using multi-species approaches.

Single species approaches will still be used where they are needed. For example, single species approaches are necessary for delivering on particular aspects of the Species at Risk Act.

DFO plans to engage on principles and considerations for determining when and where multi-species approaches may be most appropriate.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)’s ‘Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada’ (2020) is a policy framework developed to improve conservation outcomes for Canada’s terrestrial species at risk. DFO’s ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ will complement this terrestrial approach, providing a policy framework for improving conservation outcomes for Canada’s aquatic species at risk.

Both approaches represent the Government of Canada’s commitment to halt and reverse the loss of Canada’s biodiversity. ECCC and DFO are working towards fulfilling this commitment by considering the use of collaborative, multi-species approaches to conserve and protect species at risk.

The ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ will provide guidance for identifying opportunities to improve conservation outcomes for aquatic species at risk using multi-species approaches, such as place-based approaches. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Ecologically Significant Areas (ESAs) are examples of place-based regulatory approaches that the Government of Canada uses to conserve and protect species, habitats, and biodiversity.

Under the Oceans Act, MPAs can be established in estuarine and marine waters (seaward of the low water mark) to conserve and protect fisheries resources, endangered or threatened marine species, unique habitats and areas of high biological productivity or biodiversity, as well as to maintain ecological integrity. Each MPA has its own specific conservation objectives that are tailored to the ecosystem features found there. The scope of these conservation objectives is often multi-species, with a focus on biodiversity. DFO has yet to develop ESAs, as a National Framework for Identifying, Establishing, and Managing Ecologically Significant Areas is just being finalized. In the future, ESAs may be implemented under the Fisheries Act to provide long-term protection and conservation, through regulation, of key areas of fish and fish habitat that are sensitive, highly productive, rare or unique and to ensure effective restoration of these areas when restoration is needed. ESAs may be located in freshwater, estuaries or marine waters and may include both single and multi-species.

Both of these are examples of place-based approaches that can have benefits for aquatic species at risk. There may also be a variety of other regulatory and non-regulatory approaches that could also be effective in improving conservation outcomes for multiple aquatic species at risk. The Framework will be used as a policy guide, rather than a regulatory tool, and will help DFO deliver on the Species at Risk Act by identifying opportunities to apply multi-species approaches to improve conservation outcomes for aquatic species at risk.

No. The ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ (the Framework) will serve as a policy framework for identifying opportunities to apply multi-species approaches to conserve and recover aquatic species at risk. As a policy framework, it will not prescribe activity restrictions or legal obligations.

The legislative requirements and provisions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) will not change through development of the Framework. Rather, the ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ will provide guidance for identifying opportunities to improve conservation outcomes using multi-species approaches.

Canada’s unique ecosystems and natural biodiversity support our cultures, our well-being, and our economy. Canadians have a shared interest in conserving this nature legacy.

This interest is important because Canada’s biodiversity is under threat, with declining trends in population for many species of wildlife. We need to work together to conserve and recover aquatic species at risk across Canada.

By engaging with DFO, you bring your perspectives and experiences to conserving and recovering aquatic species at risk. Sharing your ideas can help shape the ‘Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation’ so that it provides real and lasting solutions for aquatic species at risk in Canada.

Engagement to date informed the Guiding Principles, Considerations and ideas for Implementation in the draft Framework for Discussion. DFO would like to hear your feedback on draft principles to guide the development and application of multi-species approaches. 

These Draft Guiding Principles include:

• Incorporation of Indigenous perspectives, 
• Improved conservation outcomes through use of multi-species approaches, 
• Strengthened partnerships, 
• Strengthened knowledge base for decision-making, and 
• Adaptive management. 

DFO is also seeking input on factors to consider in developing opportunities to apply multi-species approaches. Draft Considerations include those highlighted below:

Indigenous perspectives, such as:

• Guidance from United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 
• Indigenous knowledge and culturally significant species
• Opportunities for leadership and capacity building

Ecological considerations, such as:

• The presence of multiple aquatic species at risk and critical habitat
• Addressing species with competing needs
• Measurable benefits for aquatic species at risk 

Feasibility considerations, such as:

• Availability of data, capacity, expertise, partners and resources to apply multi-species approaches
• Requirements of the Species at Risk Act

In addition, DFO would appreciate your insight on ideas for Implementation of multi-species approaches to conserve aquatic species at risk.

Multi-species opportunities can be implemented through initiatives that:

• Integrate Indigenous considerations into multi-species conservation,
• Enable collaborative networks with external partners,
• Support multi-species best practices and monitoring, and
• Support multi-species approaches through templates, processes & tools.