Announcement of the release of the new Offsetting Policy and the new Position Statement for the consideration of cumulative effects

Thank you for your participation and feedback through the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program’s (FFHPP) engagement on the Offsetting Policy and Cumulative Effects Position Statement. We are pleased to announce that the Policy for Applying Measures to Offset Harmful Impacts to Fish and Fish Habitat and the Position Statement on the Consideration of Cumulative Effects in Support of Decision Making on Fisheries Act Authorizations Concerning Fish and Fish Habitat Protection are now available on DFO’s Projects Near Water website. These documents contribute to FFHPP's efforts to conserve, protect and restore fish and fish habitat for future generations in a way that respects Indigenous rights and supports sustainable development. Both documents provide additional clarity for partners and project proponents.

The Offsetting Policy provides direction on undertaking effective measures to offset death of fish and the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, consistent with the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act. A summary of key changes between the 2025 and the 2019 versions of the Offsetting Policy is also available at Talk Fish Habitat, along with FAQs. You will also find our 3-page tip sheet Project planning: What is offsetting and how to prepare an offsetting plan on Projects Near Water. We will be issuing further guidance to support the Offsetting Policy later in 2025, specifically the guidelines for establishing and managing fish habitat banks, guidelines for the development of an offsetting plan, and policy guidance related to the program’s Risk Management Framework and when avoidance, mitigation and offsetting measures are applied.

The Cumulative Effects Position Statement is designed to provide further clarity on the department’s approach to the application of the relevant fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act during the project authorization decision-making process. It supports decision makers as they consider the cumulative effects of a project, in combination with all other relevant stressors on fish and fish habitat. FAQs on the Position Statement are also available at Talk Fish Habitat.

These documents would not have been possible without your engagement and input. All comments received were considered in the finalization of the Offsetting Policy and Cumulative Effects Position Statement, and will continue to be considered as we develop guidance for implementation and other program tools.

As we continue to implement the Fisheries Act, we look forward to continued collaboration and coordination.