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.
If you are not able to follow the planning guidance provided in Step 1 or it is not applicable to your project, then you will need to submit your project proposal to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for review and assessment.
DFO's preference is to avoid harm to fish and fish habitat where ever possible. DFO staff will advise you of additional impacts that you will need to work to minimize.
If the assessment determines that harm to fish or fish habitat cannot be avoided, then you progress to Step 3 for a Fisheries Act Authorization.