Notice

On June 29, 2012, the Fisheries Act was amended. Policy and regulations are now being developed to support the new fisheries protection provisions of the Act (which are not yet in force). The existing guidance and policies continue to apply. For more information, see Changes to the Fisheries Act.

What We Do

The mandate of the Habitat Management Program is:

• To protect and conserve fish habitat in support of Canada's coastal and inland fisheries resources, and,

• To conduct environmental assessments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act before Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) makes a regulatory decision under the habitat provisions of the Fisheries Act.

With staff in over 65 offices across Canada the Program carries out its mandate through various activities including:

• Reviews of works and undertakings in or near water;

• Monitoring compliance and enforcing the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act;

• Watershed and coastal zone planning;

• Habitat enhancement; and,

• Public education and stewardship.

The Program works closely and in collaboration with provinces, territories, industry and conservation and aboriginal groups on protecting and conserving fish habitat and has responsibility to report to Parliament annually on the administration and enforcement of the habitat protection and pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act.