Supplementary Information Tables
Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS):
- sets out the Government of Canada’s sustainable development priorities
- establishes goals and targets
- identifies actions to achieve them, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act
In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard supports reporting on the implementation of the FSDS and its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, or equivalent document, through the activities described in this supplementary information table.
2. Sustainable Development in Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy for 2017 to 2020 describes the department’s actions in support of achieving:
- Low Carbon Government;
- Effective Action on Climate Change;
- Healthy Coast and Oceans;
- Pristine Lakes and Rivers;
- Healthy Wildlife Population;
- Sustainable Food; and
- Safe and Healthy Communities.
This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Last year’s supplementary information table is posted on the department’s website. This year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard is also noting which UN Sustainable Development Goal target each departmental action contributes to achieving.
3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal
Context for the FSDS goal: Low-Carbon Government: The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard (DFO/Coast Guard) is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and taking action on climate change. DFO/Coast Guard will continue to work with the Centre for Greening Government at the Treasury Board Secretariat as they release government-wide direction related to the Low Carbon Government goal. DFO/Coast Guard has already incorporated energy management considerations into departmental real property decision-making and daily operations and will continue to do so moving forward. Additionally, through the Federal Infrastructure Initiative, DFO/Coast Guard is investing in a number of clean energy and efficiency upgrade projects, which will support the transition to a low carbon government.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target* | Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions | Results achieved† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025. | Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings / operations. | United Nations sustainable development goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation Target 9.4 United Nations sustainable development goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Target 13.2 |
Performance Indicators: GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2016-17 = 21.20 kt CO2e. Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2016–17 = 38.4%. |
GHG emissions from facilities in fiscal year 2017-18 = 21.43 kt CO2e. Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2017-18 = 38.5%. |
|
| Replace old Marine Communications and Traffic Services and Aids to Navigation power generation equipment, with cleaner, low-carbon energy solutions. | In 2017-18, the Department replaced the following equipment with cleaner, low-carbon energy solutions:
|
||||
| Consider opportunities to implement building automation and commissioning for new construction or major renovation / upgrade, during project proposal and planning phase. | An analysis of top DFO assets was performed to identify potential sites that would benefit from building automation. However, given the cost of automation systems, further guidance documents should be developed to determine long-term viability and regional support for implementing and maintaining these systems. The Greening Government Fund has been identified as a vehicle of funding, especially for projects with a prolonged return on investment. |
||||
| Continue to develop an approach for building operator training in Fisheries and Oceans Canada-Owned buildings, to ensure that appropriate personnel receive training in industry-certified, best practices of maximizing energy efficiency and conservation measures. | An analysis of building operator certification training programs is underway to determine a viable solution and how to best deliver that solution. These training programs include but are not limited to Building Operator Certification Training, and Facility Management Professional Credential Program. | ||||
| Review, update, and integrate environmental considerations into corporate governing frameworks including but not limited to policies, programs and practices. | New policies, programs, and practices actively seek to incorporate environmental considerations aimed at a reduction in GHG emissions where feasible. DFO/Coast Guard is currently implementing an asbestos assessments program; replacing underground tanks; air travel reduction and implementing GC Workplace and teleworking protocols. | ||||
| Implement accommodation projects to increase population density and promote effective space utilization. | An inventory of space is being developed to facilitate identification of potential accommodation projects to densify. Several densification projects have also been completed across the country and others are in various stages of implementation. To date, 24 space optimization / densification projects to promote effective space utilization have been completed across all regions. |
||||
| Adopt updated National Energy Code for Buildings for new construction and major renovations projects as well as review programs, assets, facilities, and base building equipment to identify / inventory sources of departmental real property greenhouse gas emissions and quantify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities. | National Energy Code review will begin in 2018-19. Currently, environmental and sustainability best practices are already considered by regional partners for major renovations and new construction. Facilities, assets, and equipment are also undergoing review but are on hold as other alternatives are explored. |
||||
| Continue Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s commitment to achieve a high level of environmental performance for new construction, major renovations, and existing building projects, by using industry-recognized assessment and verification tools. | The Institute of Ocean Sciences achieved Building Owners and Managers Association Building Environmental Standards certification in 2017-18, and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography is targeting certification in 2018-19. | ||||
| Undertake energy audits at custodial facilities to determine the current state of energy consumption and to identify further opportunities for energy conservation measures. Compile, inventory and evaluate the recommendations of the energy audits. | Data collection on the results of audits from the NCR will begin next fiscal year. The results of the regional initiatives will be standardized and unified to produce a central database for the energy audit results and metadata and will inform opportunities for energy conservation measures. | ||||
| Develop a work plan for clean energy infrastructure implementation opportunities for identified departmental sites, prioritizing by emissions, specifically aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling needs. | Renewable energy considerations are currently being included in DFO/Coast Guard’s energy audits for buildings. | ||||
| Develop an overarching, evergreen Climate Risks and Vulnerabilities Identification Framework, focused on identifying short and long-term climate change risks and vulnerabilities associated with sites across Canada. | Pilot project is underway. An MOU is currently in the approval stages, with target completion date within one year. The results of this project will inform climate risk and vulnerability assessments for other top assets. | ||||
| Install a solar wall at Canso Canal (Nova Scotia) to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. | A solar wall was installed at Canso Canal to reduce CO2 emissions. | ||||
| Install solar panels or a solar wall at Search and Rescue Stations to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. | Solar walls were installed at Coast Guard bases in Prescott, Trois-Rivières, Patricia Bay, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Hay River, and Parry Sound. | ||||
| Install high efficiency motors / speed drives on system pumps at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Nova Scotia). | High efficiency motors / speed drives pumps were installed at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (NS). | ||||
| Upgrade all windows in the Murray building at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Nova Scotia). | Windows have been upgraded and will contribute to energy saving and reduced load on Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems. | ||||
Upgrade to energy efficient lighting at multiple sites including:
|
Upgraded to energy efficient lighting at Canso Canal (NS), Cultus Lake Laboratory (BC), Quebec Base (QC), Prescott (ON), Parry Sound (ON), Amherst (NS), Hill Island (ON), Kenora (ON), Hay River (NWT), Iqaluit (NU), and Sydney (NS). | ||||
| Install building shading at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Nova Scotia) to control heat load. | Installed building shading at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (NS) to control heat load and reduce load on building HVAC system. | ||||
| Retrofit piping to extend sea-water cooling system to Murray and Holland Buildings at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Nova Scotia). | Retrofitted piping to extend sea-water cooling system to Murray and Holland Buildings at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. | ||||
Install solar panels at the following Canadian Coast Guard bases:
Install solar thermal at the following Canadian Coast Guard bases:
Install photovoltaic panels in order to generate electricity onsite at Spius Hatchery (British Columbia). Install solar hot water panels on the roof of the hatchery and office buildings at Spius Hatchery (British Columbia). |
Solar panels have been installed in Nanaimo, Hay River, Prescott, Parry Sound and Trois-Rivières. Sidney and Richmond Coast Guard base projects are substantially complete (planned project completion is January 2019). |
||||
Install a hybrid power generation system at the following lightstations:
|
Installed hybrid power generation to reduce fuel required to power Merry Island Lightstation, Entrance Island Lightstation, and Boat Bluff Lightstation. | ||||
| Modernize our fleet. | Maintain or improve sustainable motor vehicle fleet management. Ensure right sizing of vehicle fleet for operational fleet optimization. Promote motor vehicle operator behavior changes. Purchase or replace vehicles with reduced carbon intensity in the vehicle fleet, where operationally feasible. Switch to less GHG intensive sources of fuels, where operationally feasible. Utilize the Departmental Vehicle Acquisition Plan process to identify motor vehicles for replacement and analyze business case submissions for new program requirements. |
United Nations sustainable development goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Target 12.7 |
Performance Indicators: GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2016-17 = 6.31 kt CO2e. Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2016–17 = 35.2 %. Number of Vehicles in the Fleet on March 31st, 2017 = 1,342 Percentage of vehicles identified for replacement in 2017-18 = 42.3%. |
GHG emissions from fleet in fiscal year 2017-2018 = 6.91 kt CO2 Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2017–18 = 28.2% Number of Vehicles in the Fleet on March 31st, 2018 = 1,468 Percentage of vehicles identified for replacement in 2018-19 = 32.5% |
|
| Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement. | Train procurement and/or materiel management specialists on green procurement. Use Standing Offers, and other approved instruments, for specific commodities which include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal. Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations. |
United Nations sustainable development goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Target 12.7 |
Performance Indicators: Percentage of audio visual equipment purchases considered as “green”. Percentage of furniture purchases considered as “green”. Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution towards green procurement in the current fiscal year. |
A total of 4 new procurement and/or materiel management specialist out of 7 have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course or equivalent in 2017-18 A total of 49 contracts for audio visual equipment were considered “green” out of 56 contracts in 2017-18 = 49/56 (88%) A total of 407 contracts for furniture were considered as “green” out of 423 contracts in 2017-18 = 407/432 (94%) None of DFO managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management had a green procurement component in their performance evaluation in 2017-18 = 0/6 = 0% The Department is examining options to incorporate a green procurement component in the performance evaluations of DFO managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management in 2018-19. |
|
| Demonstrate innovative technologies. | To be determined. | ||||
| Promote sustainable travel practices. | To be determined. | ||||
| Understand climate change impacts and build resilience. | To be determined. |
| Additional departmental activities and initiatives | Starting points, targets and performance indicators | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|
Development and implementation of a single-use plastic reduction initiative for DFO/Coast Guard that supports SDG goals 12 and 14. United Nations sustainable development goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development |
In March 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard committed to champion a
|
DFO launched a successful employee engagement and awareness campaign, “Goodbye Single-Use Plastic” which encouraged employees to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. As part of this campaign, more than 2,600 people signed the Goodbye Plastic Pledge between Earth Day and World Oceans Day 2018. A Policy to Restrict the Procurement and Use of Single-Use Plastic, and an associated Directive focusing on reducing single-use plastics from meetings, conferences and events was developed with an implementation date of February 1, 2019. |
Context for the FSDS goal: Effective Action on Climate Change
DFO/Coast Guard is working closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and other partners to increase our understanding of climate change impacts and to advance a long-term climate strategy for Canada. This includes conducting scientific research and monitoring activities that inform decisions related to fisheries management, species conservation, and marine safety. For example, scientists are improving our ability to predict changing ocean conditions, increasing our understanding of the biological impacts of ocean acidification on marine species and environments, and determining the vulnerability of commercial fish species and their prey to climate change impacts.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target* | Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions | Results achieved† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels. | Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change. | Conduct two annual 28-day ocean water sampling projects from Coast Guard vessels, which are used for climate change research and other research areas. Support ice monitoring in the eastern Northwest Passage, where moorings collect data on water temperature. |
United Nations sustainable development goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Target 13.2 |
Performance Indicator: Number of operational days compared to planned days in support of science programs. |
Data will be available for the 2018-19 DSDS, however were not available at time of reporting. |
| Additional departmental activities and initiatives | Starting points, targets and performance indicators | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|
Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change, including improving our ability to predict changes in ocean conditions and undertaking fish stock/climate vulnerability assessments to determine their susceptibility to climate change impacts. United Nations sustainable development goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Target 13.2 United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.3 |
Performance Indicators: 100% of Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program (ACCASP) science products available on DFO’s website. |
Through the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program, DFO/Coast Guard undertakes:
DFO/Coast Guard completed a National Science Advisory process aimed at developing a conceptual framework for including climate change considerations into fish stock assessments. The final science advisory report is underway and is expected to be published on the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat website in the coming months. The new website for the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program (ACCASP) was completed and the launch was accompanied by a video for ocean acidification. This initiative ensures that program information, tools, and research findings are available to Canadians online, and will improve access to and visibility of the work of the program. |
Context for the FSDS goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans
DFO/Coast Guard is committed to protecting Canada’s coasts and oceans by leading the efforts, with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada, to achieve the Government of Canada’s commitment to protect marine and coastal areas to 5% by 2017, and 10% by 2020. As of December 2017, 7.7% of Canada’s marine and coastal areas were protected. Work is also moving forward on continued implementation and development of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF) policies for an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Implementation of the SFF policies will help ensure that all major fish and invertebrate stocks are managed and harvested sustainably, legally, and applying ecosystem-based approaches.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target* | Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions | Results achieved† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures. | Protect and manage marine and coastal areas. | DFO/Coast Guard are working to achieve marine conservation targets:
|
United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.5 |
Starting Point: Performance Indicators: 10% of Canada’s marine and coastal areas are protected by December 2020. |
As reported through the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicator on Conserved Areas, approximately 7.7% of Canada’s marine and coastal areas were conserved as of December 2017. Work is in progress to meet the 2020 marine conservation target, and key progress during 2017-18 includes:
In March 2018, the proposed boundaries for new Areas of Interest (AOIs) were announced (Offshore Pacific, Eastern Shore Islands and Fundian Channel-Browns Banks), as well as boundaries for a proposed Conservation Area under the Fisheries Act (Eastern Canyons). |
Establishing mechanisms to support collaboration with Federal/Provincial/Territorial and other stakeholders to support ocean management and marine conservation activities, through:
Continuing to use data and information related to the conservation and management of the marine environment to support decision-making. |
Rating of the level of effectiveness of the Oceans Management Contributions Program collaborative governance structures. Memberships for the program’s collaborative governance structures have been established. Surveys of members with a weighted scale to “rate” the responses will be conducted to assess perceived effectiveness of structures. Number of priority setting exercises undertaken to make decisions by 2019. |
In 2017-18, The Oceans Management grants and contributions program administered a total of 42 contribution agreements, supporting 39 stakeholders, including Indigenous, not-for-profit, and academic groups. The Oceans Task Group completed its 2018 Report on Canada’s Network of Marine Protected Areas which documented network development in five priority marine bioregions with a focus on the role of socio-economic and cultural analysis in MPA network development and MPA establishment. The Interdepartmental Committees on Oceans (ICO) held one meeting at the Director General level and three meetings at the Assistant Deputy Minister level in 2017-18. A broad range of federal initiatives and key policy issues affecting oceans were discussed to support decision-making. |
|||
| Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, MPAs and fisheries. | Conduct scientific research and monitoring and provide science advice to support marine conservation. | Performance Indicators: One State of the Ocean Ecosystem Report to be completed each year: State of the Arctic Ocean Ecosystem Report 2018-2019. |
Biophysical Overviews: Between April 2017 and March 31, 2018, three biophysical overviews were completed for new AOIs. These include the southern portion of the offshore bioregion AOIs in Pacific Region; Eastern Shore Islands; and an AOI within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area. State of the Ocean Report: The State of the Arctic Ocean Ecosystem Report is expected to be published in mid-2019. |
||
| By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem -based approaches starting at 96% in 2015. | Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems. | Scientific monitoring and research activities are conducted for aquatic species. Species are assessed and this information forms science advice that informs the sustainable management of Canadian fish stocks. | United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.2 Target 14.4 |
Starting Point: Performance Indicator: |
In 2017-18, 86% of requests for science advice on fisheries resources were completed within required time. |
| Implement policies for sustainable fisheries. | Take concrete steps to implement an ecosystem approach to fisheries management through the continued implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF) policies in Canada’s fisheries. Continue to develop SFF policies, where required. DFO/Coast Guard is developing a national fishery monitoring policy to ensure adequate and consistent monitoring of catches in individual fisheries, to further strengthen the management of fisheries. |
Starting Point: In addition, to measure the sustainability of Canada’s major fisheries, DFO/Coast Guard tracks the precautionary approach status of major fish stocks: in 2015, 49% of 159 major fish stocks were classified in the healthy zone, 20% in the cautious zone, 12% in the critical zone, and 19% were not classified in any of the three precautionary approach zones due to information gaps. Performance Indicators: Percentage of decisions for major fisheries where harvest control rules were followed. Major fish stocks generally refers to, but is not limited to fish stocks with an annual landed value of greater than $1 million or an annual landed weight of greater than 2,000 tonnes. |
Based on the results of the 2017 Sustainability Survey for Fisheries, 35% of 179 major fish stocks were classified in the healthy zone, 14% in the cautious zone, 10% in the critical zone, and 41% were not classified in any of the three precautionary approach zones due to information gaps. The 2017 survey results indicate that 44.7% of the 179 major fish stocks have both a Limit Reference Point and Harvest Control Rules. In addition, in the 2017 survey results, 95% of Canada’s 179 major fish stocks were managed and harvest at levels considered to be sustainable in 2017. |
||
| Innovate to reduce acoustic pollution in the marine environment. | Reduce noise pollution by using state of the art science research vessels that minimize underwater radiated noise. | United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.1 |
Performance Indicator: Number of DFO/Coast Guard vessels using technology to reduce radiated noise levels. |
Coast Guard continues to pursue noise abatement options for its fleet and will continue to build an inventory of technologies implemented for this purpose. While a historical record of noise abatement technologies installed / deployed on Coast Guard vessels does not exist, these measures are now being catalogued and will be available for the 2018-19 DSDS. Project Engineers responsible for supporting the environmental systems and environmental file within headquarters have been identified and assigned. Their responsibilities include addressing standards and technologies for noise pollution for Coast Guard ships. Coast Guard is reviewing and updating standards and guidance documents that will incorporate noise pollution reduction measures, where appropriate. |
|
Other - Oceans Protection Plan The OPP is a multi-year project that is being developed in stages. More performance indicators and departmental actions will be released in future DSDS updates. |
Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar I: A State-of-the-Art Marine Safety System. | United Nations sustainable development goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Target 12.4 |
The number of marine safety incidents and spills from vessels in Canada’s waters:
|
A prototype system for vessel traffic monitoring, in support of improved marine safety and spill prevention, has been developed for use by coastal communities and marine stakeholders. Through the Increased Presence and Extended Season in the Arctic project, Coast Guard is extending icebreaking season in the Arctic and expanding our presence and services. An Arctic Auxiliary has been created, which will play a role in increasing marine safety in the Arctic. The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is a Canada-wide volunteer marine association dedicated to marine search and rescue and the promotion of boating safety. |
|
| Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar II: Preservation and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems | United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.2 |
The percentage of projects funded through Coastal Restoration Fund contribution agreements leading to rehabilitation of aquatic habitats:
The number of vessels of concern addressed:
|
100% of the Coastal Restoration Fund’s 39 projects will lead to direct rehabilitation of aquatic habitats or the development of coastal restoration plans. The Government of Canada has committed to address, remediate, or monitor 275 vessels of concern. Of these, 50 have been targeted to be addressed by 2022, under DFO’s responsibility. 24 of 50 vessels have been addressed thus far, and remaining 26 will be addressed by 2022. In addition, Coast Guard is completing 7 technical assessments of the remaining 225 vessels to determine priority for subsequent remediation. |
||
| Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar III: Indigenous Partnerships | United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.2 |
The number of Indigenous groups that participate in Canada’s marine safety system:
|
On June 21, 2018, a Reconciliation Framework Agreement on Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection was signed between the Government of Canada and 14 Central and North Coast Nations to coordinate ongoing efforts in the management and conservation of oceans. | ||
| Oceans Protection Plan – Pillar IV: A Stronger Evidence Base and Increased Community Participation and Public Awareness | United Nations sustainable development goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Target 13.2 |
The percent of policies and operational response plans developed through the OPP that are supported by scientific, local / traditional, and other relevant information and knowledge:
The percentage of Canadians who are confident in Canada’s marine safety system:
|
A roadmap has been developed under the OPP through 2019, to target incorporation of science, local / traditional, and other relevant information / knowledge into operational response plans. This roadmap will be part of a process of moving toward the 100% target. The OPP Secretariat has created a products plan, which supports community engagement through the development of information products that explain OPP projects and their impacts on the marine safety and security system. Departmental announcements on progress are supported by internal communications on program milestones. Outreach is being conducted at various events to inform the public about OPP programs and successes. |
Context for the FSDS goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers
DFO/Coast Guard provides support to the International Institute for Sustainable Development Experimental Lakes Area to conduct scientific research that will help us better understand freshwater ecosystems. DFO/Coast Guard will also continue to conduct scientific research and monitoring activities in freshwater environments, with a focus on the Lake Winnipeg Basin and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target* | Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions | Results achieved† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Restore lake and river ecosystems:
|
Provide in-kind support and funding for projects. | Conduct scientific research and monitoring activities and provide support for the Experimental Lakes Area in Northwestern Ontario. | United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.2 |
Performance Indicator: Establish a contribution agreement to provide support for freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. |
A contribution agreement ended March 31, 2018, that focused on the collection of data from reference lakes associated with the International Institute for Sustainable Development Experimental Lake Area’s long-term ecological research program. This agreement has been replaced with a new contribution agreement that started April 1, 2018. |
Context for the FSDS goal: Healthy Wildlife Populations
The Species at Risk Act (SARA) is key federal government legislation. DFO/Coast Guard, in cooperation with Parks Canada, supports the protection and recovery of listed aquatic species in Canada and their critical habitats and residences with the ultimate goal of preventing the extirpation or extinction of aquatic species. The Department provides scientific information and advice on species status reports produced by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) to help inform the risk status of aquatic species. The Species at Risk program is informed by sound scientific research and Indigenous and community knowledge and takes into account socio-economic and stakeholder considerations, in support of activities in the species at risk conservation cycle. In addition, the Budget 2018 announcement of the new Nature Fund (in partnership with corporate, not-for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners), will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve species.
DFO/Coast Guard also contributes to: the ECCC-led General Status of Species in Canada measure of species assessed as secure or at-risk which provides a measure of potential extinction risk and an indicator of the overall state of biodiversity in Canada; and to the ECCC-led Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators Species at Risk Population Trends which assesses recovery trends of listed species.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target* | Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions | Results achieved† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, species that are secure remain secure, and populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans. | Work with partners to protect species and their habitats. | Publish recovery or management documents on the public-facing Species at Risk Public Registry. Identify critical habitat, either partially or completely in recovery documents. |
United Nations sustainable development goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss Target 15.5 |
Starting Point: Performance Indicator: Starting Point: Performance Indicator: |
Under Environment and Climate Change Canada’s lead, DFO/Coast Guard contributes information annually to the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators Program (CESI) which assesses the recovery trends of species at risk. One criteria for assessment is that final recovery strategies are published on the Species at Risk Public Registry. 89% of species listed under the Species at Risk Act have a recovery strategy or management plan published on the Species at Risk Act Registry as of March 31, 2018. 47% of species where critical habitat has been identified either partially or completely, and an order has been made relating to that critical habitat as of March 31, 2018. |
| Support Implementation of the Species at Risk Act. | Provide science advice and information in support of species assessment, listing and recovery planning under the Species at Risk Act. | Performance Indicator: 90% percentage of requests for science advice to support species at risk legislative requirements are completed within the required time. |
79% (11 out of 14 requests) of requests for science advice to support species at risk legislative requirements were completed in 2017-18. Requests that were not completed are being prioritized for completion in 2018-19. Recovery Potential Assessments (RPA) were conducted through the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) peer review processes to provide science advice in support of species listing and recovery planning under the Species at Risk Act. The three requests that were not completed were RPAs. Pre-Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) meetings were conducted through the CSAS peer review process to inform species assessment. |
Context for the FSDS goal: Sustainable Food
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector and now provides 50 percent of all fish for human consumption in the world. Canadian aquaculture represents around 15 percent of fish production in the country and close to 30 percent in value. In the coming decade, a shortfall in fish and seafood is projected, which can be met by increased aquaculture production. DFO/Coast Guard contributes to the goal of sustainable food by supporting sustainable aquaculture production through aquaculture-science research, science-based decision making, and improved regulations.
DFO also conducts scientific research to increase knowledge of effects from agriculture and aquaculture on the environment. This research can assist in maintaining ecosystem health.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target* | Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions | Results achieved† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, all aquaculture in Canada is managed under a science-based regime that promotes the sustainable use of aquatic resources (marine and freshwater) in ways that conserve biodiversity. | Increase knowledge of sustainable agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture. | Conduct targeted regulatory research on fish pest and pathogen interactions, ecosystem management and interactions with wild population. | United Nations sustainable development goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Target 14.2 |
Starting Point: Performance Indicator: |
In 2017-18, 100% of the 6 aquaculture science key priority areas were addressed through research. |
| Use legislation and regulations to ensure safe and secure food. | Tracking the incidence of morbidity or mortality in Commercial, Recreational and Aboriginal fish species from pesticide treatments at salmon farms, as per the Aquaculture Activities Regulations. | Starting Point: Performance Indicator: |
No morbidity or mortality events have been reported since 2015. | ||
| Conduct aquaculture regulatory reform. | Carry out amendments to the:
|
Performance Indicator: Percentage of amendments completed. |
Due to the judicial review of Alexandra Morton v. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, work on amending Fisheries (General) Regulations (FGR) was on hold during the fiscal 2017/18 reporting period. A decision in the case is expected in early 2019. As announced in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, DFO/Coast Guard is developing proposed new comprehensive regulations that would consolidate all aquaculture-related regulatory provisions under the Fisheries Act. This work would also include consequential amendments to a number of Fisheries Act regulations, including the FGR. The regulatory development work is expected to take place from 2019-2021. |
Context for the FSDS goal: Safe and Healthy Communities
DFO/Coast Guard is working to implement contaminated sites management and is committed to complete remediation and risk management activities for all priority contaminated sites on the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory. The Department is working to identify and remediate all contaminated sites and expects to be able to clear 800 sites by 2020.
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target* | Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions | Results achieved† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, address the 4,300 substances identified as priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan. | Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites. | Implement contaminated sites management activities according to a Five-Year Strategic Plan, and in the context of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan. Committed to complete remediation and risk management activities for highest priority contaminated sites on the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory. | United Nations sustainable development goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Target 12.4 |
Starting Point: Performance Indicators:
|
In 2017-18, the total number of sites where contamination may exist and assessment and remediation may be required was reduced to 2,860, which is 188 less than in previous fiscal year. Remediation activities were performed at 257 sites and assessment activities at 371 sites. A total of 230 sites were closed (no further action required and financial liabilities are reduced to zero). |
Section 4: Integrating Sustainable Development
During the 2017–18 reporting cycle, DFO/Coast Guard considered the environmental effects of 21 proposals subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, as part of its decision-making processes.
The DFO/Coast Guard Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process requires assessment of whether the policy, program, or proposal impacts the achievement of the goals and targets of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. The Department also determines specific environmental effects either positive or negative and investigates whether the policy, program, or proposal would affect the environmental footprint of Canadian government operations. By answering these questions DFO/Coast Guard fully integrates environmental considerations in the analysis of each option presented before Ministers along with economic and social analysis.
Public statements on the results of DFO/Coast Guard’s assessments are released when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA (see here). The purpose of the public statements is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.
- Date modified: