• Risk Management Framework implemented in 2005-2006.
  
  
• Pathways of Effects (PoE) developed that represent linkages between human activities and habitat impacts.
  
  
• Practitioner's Guide to Risk Management approved.
  
  
• Scientific paper developed to inform DFO’s risk management approach to the management of fish habitat. Paper to be published in 2006-07.

• The Habitat Management Program has developed and approved a total of 18 national Operational Statements (OPS).
  
  
• In 2005-06, proponents used the national OPSs for approximately 800 activities. Before the implementation of OPSs, DFO would have likely issued Letters of Advice in such cases, requiring more resources.
  
  
• Progress was achieved to establish a "one window" approach that involves a provincial/territorial delivery system of OPSs. The agreement with the Province of New Brunswick was implemented in 2005-06. Discussions are ongoing to develop agreements with Provinces and Territories on applying OPS to their guidelines & codes of practice.

• 2005 and ongoing

• Implemented the Habitat Management Mandatory Training Program.
  
  
• 38% of staff successfully completed HM101 as of March 31, 2006.
  
  
• Over 50% completed a course on the Risk Management Framework.
  
  
• Five courses developed, six more under development.
  
  
• Modifications have been made to the curriculum and individual training plans, so that by the end of the Fiscal Year 2006-07, specific targets of required program staff can be attained in all regions (e.g., 100% of staff will have completed HM101).

• Established a new National Headquarters-Regional organizational structure for managing the environmental assessments (EA) of Major Projects.
  
  
• Reviewed and updated CEAA Decision Protocols for Major Projects.
  
  
• Completed an Operating Policy for EA Scoping.

A workshop will be held in Fall 2006 to address, among other issues, the appropriate process for integrating socio-economic considerations into I&T recommendations. These issues will be resolved under the umbrella of the new aquaculture governance regime.

The Risk Assessment identified six major climate change risks to DFO: 1. Ecosystem and fisheries degradation and damage; 2. Changes in biological resources; 3. Species reorganization and displacement; 4. Increased demand to provide emergency response; 5. Infrastructure damage; and 6. Changes in access and navigability of waterways.

It also confirmed that climate change has the potential to jeopardize DFO’s mandated obligations and commitments.

• participation in High Seas Task Force (HSTF) that resulted in nine recommendations to combat IUU fishing;
  
  
• co-chairing of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Oceans Ministerial Meeting which resulted in the Bali Plan of Action;
  
  
• participation in the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFA) Review Conference; and
  
  
• hosting the St.John’s Conference resulting in Ministerial Declaration as basis for reform initiatives in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and other Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMO).

Ongoing

Advisory Panel on the Sustainable Management of Straddling Fish Stocks in the Northwest Atlantic report submitted to Ministers.

Summer 2005

priorities. As a result, the department’s Aquaculture Management Directorate (AMD) is dedicating a significant portion of its resources to move forward with this initiative. Numerous provinces have indicated they are in position to proceed with formal negotiations in this regard, pending receipt of federal authorization. It is anticipated that the objectives of the aquaculture renewal initiative will be met within the proposed time frame.

Discussions are ongoing with a number of other provincial and territorial governments in completing and signing MOUs on Habitat Management (e.g., Saskatchewan, Yukon).

Further to the agreement with the National Resource Industries Association (NRIA), DFO reviewed and approved the revised Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stream crossings.

• consulted on Cooperative Arrangements on Habitat Management with NGOs;
• consulted with Aboriginal groups on Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIH);
  
  
• implemented a new Regional/NHQ management model for AIH, and redesigned program;
  
  
• in December 2005, a funding agreement was approved with the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Council of Canada (AHRDCC); and,
  
  
• · discussed cooperative arrangement with Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

75% lighted buoys converted to light-emitting diode (LED) lanterns;

11.8% lighted fixed aids converted to LED lanterns;

71% floating buoys replaced with plastic buoys; and,

13.2% synthetic moorings implemented on all floating buoys.

Most conversions and implementations done as of January 2006.

CCG is now implementing a new comprehensive, Health, Safety and Environmental Management System across its shore side facilities to be fully operational by Fall 2008. Currently, consideration is being given to an agency-wide baseline survey to establish a benchmark with which to gauge future CCG environmental performance.