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 DFO does with your project information

Once a project has been referred for review, DFO staff evaluate your proposal for any possible harm to fish and fish habitat and will identify options to reduce the risks. DFO staff apply the tools of the Risk Management Framework including:

Aquatic Effects Assessment (the Pathways of Effects)

This assessment tool is a series of diagrams or Pathways of Effects to show how activities affect fish and fish habitat. The diagrams identify where steps should be taken to eliminate or reduce negative effects. If this is not possible, then the remaining negative effects are identified.

For example:

Risk Assessment Matrix

If negative effects cannot be avoided, then the risk assessment matrix is the tool DFO staff use to determine the risk level or seriousness of the negative effects.

Risk Management

If the negative effects can be avoided, your project proposal would be considered low risk. Generally a letter of advice advice is provided and no further DFO review is required. However if the negatives effects cannot be avoided, you will need an authorization, proceed to Step 3.

For more information about policies and guides that support DFO Habitat Management Program staff their decision-making, please consult the Standard Operating Policies or more specifically with respect to evaluating harm, the Practitioner's Guide to the Risk Management Framework.