Which Process do you Need?

Step 1: Does your project have the potential to harm fish habitat?

If you are planning to work in or around water, there is a chance that your project may cause harm to fish habitat. Assuming that you have looked into friendlier approaches, such as relocating or redesigning your project, and your project may still affect fish habitat, you need to go to the next step in DFO's review and approvals process.

Step 2: Does your project fit under an Operational Statement?

Review the Operational Statements for the province or territory where you will be performing the work or undertaking and decide whether your project is covered by one of them. You may proceed with your project only if you follow the advice contained within the Operational Statement. If you decide to follow an Operational Statement, DFO requests that you fill out and submit a Notification Form.

If your province or territory does not have an Operational Statement for your type of project, you may not use an Operational Statement from another province or territory.

Go to: Operational Statements

Step 3: If your project does not fit under the Operational Statements, or if you cannot comply with the advice contained within the Operational Statements, what then?

At this point, you should request a project review by DFO or its partnering agencies to determine whether the project would affect fish and fish habitat and whether an authorization would be required.

Go to: Reviews and Authorizations

Step 4: If I can comply with the Operational Statements, do I need any other permits or approvals?

You may require permits or approvals from other government agencies. The use of the Operational Statements only relates to DFO's requirements under the Fisheries Act, and does not release you from the responsibility of obtaining any other permits or approvals that may be required under municipal, provincial, territorial and federal legislation that apply to the work being carried out.