Environmental policy statement for Fisheries and Oceans Canada operations and assets

In order to deliver economically prosperous maritime sectors and fisheries, sustainable aquatic ecosystems, safe and secure waters, and integrated business management, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard conduct a broad range of operations that can potentially impact the environment. To minimize those possible impacts, it is essential to implement and maintain sound environmental management practices.

To ensure the sustainable management of its assets and programs, the Department is committed to:

• Complying with federal laws and conforming, where applicable, to international, provincial, territorial and municipal laws, codes and standards;
• Respecting federal and departmental environmental directives and policies;
• Taking environmental factors into account in all decision making;
• Preventing pollution from departmental operations and encouraging best practices;
• Establishing environmental priorities and objectives through the business planning process;
• Continually improving the environmental management of its operations and assets; and
• Promoting the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Canadian Coast Guard managers at all levels shall ensure that the requirements outlined in this policy are communicated, well understood and implemented throughout their organizations. The active involvement of all teams and personnel supporting the Fisheries and Oceans and Coast Guard missions will help to ensure that we meet our environmental management goals.