Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 2020-21 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
This report on progress supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole-of-government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.
The departmental information reported accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
2. Sustainable development in Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy describes the department’s actions in support of achieving FSDS goals on greening government; effective action on climate change; healthy coasts and oceans; pristine lakes and rivers; healthy wildlife populations; sustainable food; and safe and healthy communities. This report presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Previous years’ reports are posted on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s website.
3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal
The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.
Context: Greening Government
DFO is committed to transitioning to net-zero, climate resilient, and green operations. The Department will continue to work with the Centre for Greening Government at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat towards Greening Government goals. DFO will incorporate net-zero, climate resilient and circular economy considerations into departmental decision-making processes and daily operations. This includes integrating lifecycle analysis and circular economy principles into departmental procurement processes. Additionally, the Department will continue to explore opportunities for clean energy and efficiency upgrade projects, which will further support the transition to a net-zero, climate resilient and green Government of Canada.
Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green operations
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral) | All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing |
Develop a Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy that will include:
Replace old Marine Communications and Traffic Services and Aids to Navigation power generation equipment, with cleaner, low-carbon energy solutions. Consider opportunities to implement building automation and commissioning for new construction or major renovation/ upgrade, during project proposal and planning phase. Adopt updated National Energy Code for Buildings for new construction and major renovations projects as well as review programs, assets, facilities, and base building equipment to identify/ inventory sources of departmental real property greenhouse gas emissions and quantify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities. Explore opportunities to achieve a high level of environmental performance for new construction, major renovations, and existing building projects, by using industry-recognized assessment and verification tools. Explore clean energy infrastructure implementation opportunities for identified departmental sites, prioritizing by emissions, specifically aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling needs. |
Performance Indicator: GHG emissions in [current reporting fiscal year]:
Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005-06 to [current reporting fiscal year]:
Starting Point: GHG emissions in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year):
Supporting Indicators: Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy to be completed by March 31, 2021. |
Performance Indicator: GHG emissions in 2020-21:
Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005-06 to 2020-21:
Supporting Indicators: The Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy (CNPS) was completed in March 2021. A final report was submitted and circulated throughout the Department, and a series of presentations took place to present the findings to National Headquarters and regional stakeholders. A companion project was also completed to produce a climate resiliency assessment of the 50 sites included in the CNPS. A Vulnerability Evaluation Summary Report was delivered, also in March 2021, which included a prioritized list of sites based on the vulnerability evaluation. |
Development of DFO’s Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy will provide DFO with a solid basis for investment decision-making and will lead to reductions in GHG emissions from building operations. New power generation units burn less fuel and produce less emissions. Building automation will minimize human error and enhance information datasets which will assist the Department to more efficiently manage building operations. Adopting updated National Energy Code for Buildings and building all new construction and major renovation projects to net-zero carbon unless a lifecycle cost-benefit analysis indicates net-zero carbon ready construction, will ensure DFO achieves a high level of environmental performance within its custodial facilities. A significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions are the result of heating and cooling needs of a building. A large reduction of these emissions will be offset utilizing clean energy infrastructure projects that have a reasonable return on investment and a longer project lifespan. SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.1; 13.2; 13.3) |
| Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings | Pursue multiple initiatives to inform, and improve employee behaviour, such as:
Develop Best Management Practices targeting employee behavioural changes to contribute towards a lower carbon footprint. |
Performance Indicator: [Number] of clean energy projects implemented at DFO assets in [current reporting fiscal year]. [Number] training courses delivered in [current reporting fiscal year]. |
Performance Indicator: 1 clean energy project was implemented at DFO assets in fiscal year 2020-21. 0 training courses were delivered in 2020-21. The Facility Management Professional (FMP) certification, offered by the International Facility Management Association, was piloted as a program to provide the necessary information to facility managers to manage their assets, increase efficiency, and minimize waste. The first of four courses was piloted April 2019, with three regional facility managers and a National Centre of Expertise representative. No further courses were completed for this certification, following the FMP certification update in January 2020. Other programs and courses are being reviewed to ensure the facility management community is provided with the most relevant and effective training to support the delivery of their functions. |
Replacing ageing, non-efficient building systems will reduce the overall carbon footprint of an asset and improve its environmental performance, as well as deliver on cost savings which can be reinvested into the asset. Identifying and implementing a program of building operator training will provide the necessary information to facility managers to manage their assets to increase efficiency and minimize waste. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
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| Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematicsFootnote 1 to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced | Maintain or improve sustainable motor vehicle fleet management. Review of operational requirements to ensure vehicle fleet is optimized for program and sustainability. Installation of telematics modules in all on-road fleet vehicles to promote motor vehicle operator behavior changes. Purchase or replace vehicles with reduced carbon intensity, where operationally feasible. Utilize the Departmental Vehicle Acquisition Plan process to identify motor vehicles for replacement based on available telematics data analysis. All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. |
Performance Indicator: [Number] vehicles in the Fleet on March 31, 2021. Percentage of vehicles identified for replacement in [current reporting fiscal year]. |
Performance Indicator: 1629 vehicles in the Fleet on March 31, 2021. 19% of vehicles identified for replacement in 2021-2022. |
GHG emissions will be reduced by:
Using telematics data to assist in identification of opportunities to replace higher emission vehicles with lower emission producing options such as hybrids or zero-emissions vehicles will reduce emissions. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
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| Other | Develop baselines for in-service Coast Guard vessel performance to compare advances in performance in GHG reduction and carbon redirection. | Baseline data will be reported through a future quantitative analysis. One tool for conducting such analysis is ISO 19030 Ships and Marine technology — Measurement of changes in hull and propeller performance. |
A pilot project to monitor emissions on one vessel will begin next fiscal year. The installation of fuel and torque monitoring equipment continues. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is collaborating on an National Capital Region project to evaluate and ultimately develop new data products for the CCG fleet. |
The Department will seek to obtain and use equipment to monitor GHG emissions from Coast Guard vessels, as well as continue to equip vessel with fuel monitoring tools and shaft torque transducers. This equipment will be used to monitor a vessel’s emissions, fuel consumption, shaft torque and a number of secondary parameters (e.g., wind speed, water speed). Monitoring GHG emissions on CCG vessels can help to better inform decisions on the pathway to net-zero. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
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| Develop a supply arrangement for the provision of underwater hull cleaning services to the Canadian fleet. | The CCG is in the beginning stages of undertaking this work. A separate effort to develop a baseline on aspects of the fleet’s performance is described above. | The request for a service arrangement to provide underwater hull cleaning services to the Canadian fleet closed on July 7, 2021. | For several years, DFO and the Department of National Defence (DND) have been collecting samples of marine species on vessels (DND), on plates hanging on buoys near along Canada’s coast lines (DFO), and at DND ports (DND). The CCG will be joining this effort to better understand the degree of fouling of its vessel hulls, and the degree to which it is a vector for the propagation of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Fouled hulls are not only a vector for the transmission of AIS, they result in significantly greater resistance of the movement through water. The result is increased fuel consumption leading to increased fuel cost and GHG emissions. Even lightly fouled hulls can result in losses of efficiency around four to eight per cent. More heavily fouled hulls can result in even greater losses of efficiency. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
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| Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030 | Other | Conduct waste audits to identify waste production of DFO assets. Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022:
Trial technologies that will remove contaminants from Coast Guard vessel water systems. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of non-hazardous operational waste diverted = [Y/X] percentage Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of non-hazardous operational waste diverted = Not available Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Sites originally planned to have waste audits in fiscal year 2020-21 have been postponed due to COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and the resulting reduction in on-site capacity, DFO shifted focus to developing a National Solid Waste Audit Framework. This document inventories current waste management practices, outlines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in delivering the on-site waste audits during each stage of the process, and provides a five year implementation plan for Priority Tier 1 sitesFootnote 2 within the DFO portfolio. The new-generation Terragon Wastewater Electrochemical Treatment Technology oily water separator is being trialed. The first trial, through Innovative Solutions Canada’s Testing Stream, is currently under way on the CCG ship Earl Grey. |
Due to the diversity of DFO assets, conducting waste audits on Priority Tier 1 sites will support the department to identify and improve non-hazardous operational waste diversion rates. This process will also provide additional benefits such as:
Trialing the new-generation Terragon Wastewater Electrochemical Treatment Technology oily water separator will:
The result is carbon sequestration of waste streams from CCG vessels. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4; 12.5) |
| Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030 | Other | Conduct waste audits to identify waste production of DFO assets. Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022. Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings. When procuring products that contain plastics, promote the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of plastic waste diverted in [current reporting fiscal year] = [Y/X] percentage Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of plastic waste diverted in 2020-21 = Not available Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Sites originally planned to have waste audits in fiscal year 2020-21 have been postponed due to COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, and the resulting reduced on-site capacity, DFO shifted its focus to developing the National Solid Waste Audit Framework. This document inventories current waste management practices, outlines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in delivering the on-site waste audits during each stage of the process, and provides a five year implementation plan for the Priority Tier 1 sites within the DFO portfolio. |
Given the diversity of DFO’s portfolio of assets, conducting waste audits on Priority Tier 1 sites will support the department to identify the amount of plastic waste generated through site operations, and help to improve on plastics diversion rates where local capacity permits. This process will also provide additional benefits such as:
SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4; 12.5; 12.7) |
| Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030) | Other | Track and disclose waste diversion rates of construction and demolition waste by 2022. Conduct waste audits in addition to implementing procedures to track on-going construction and demolition waste as part of overall project management. Promote re-use and salvage opportunities regarding material such as steel at demolished infrastructure sites. Identify and utilize local material reclamation programs. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of construction and renovation waste diverted = [Y/X] percentage Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of construction and renovation waste diverted = Not available Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
The current Federal Waste Reporting Guidance from the Centre for Greening Government specifies the scope of reporting to include Construction, Renovation and Demolition projects with a total value over $5 million, and in areas where commercial waste services are available. DFO has not initiated any new projects over $5M since the implementation of the DSDS. However, DFO will work to include these specifications for future projects, with the understanding that funding might be required from various sources. |
Conducting waste audits for DFO construction and demolition projects will support the Department to improve diversion rates of construction and demolition waste and provide additional benefits such as:
SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4; 12.5; 12.7) |
| Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 | Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced | The Departmental Vehicle Acquisition Plan (DVAP) will be used to determine the opportunities and number of administrative vehicles to be replaced to meet the 2030 target. Each year, an evaluation of requirements for new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases for hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or zero-emission vehicles will be performed under the DVAP. All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids. Use telematics data analysis to identify opportunities to optimize use of the vehicle fleet. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Supporting Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Telematics project began by end of March 2021. |
As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetimes with zero-emission vehicles, and/ or the size of the fleet is reduced, a greater proportion of the fleet will be zero-emission vehicles and will GHG reduce emissions. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
| By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations | Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned | Collaboration among key stakeholders across the department to examine how to undertake the following departmental actions, with a focus on assets:
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Performance Indicator: Departmental action to understand the wide range of climate change impacts, risks and opportunities to DFO assets, services and operations, is underway by December 31, 2020. Climate adaptation plan underway, establishing measures to reduce climate change impacts that could potentially affect DFO assets, services and operations, by December 31, 2021. Supporting Indicators: Intradepartmental Climate Adaptation Working Group established by December 31, 2020. Risk and business continuity plans have integrated considerations of climate change, by March 31, 2022. Number (and percentage) of asset-based climate change risk assessments conducted on assets identified as critical to operations and services, by March 31, 2023. Investment plans incorporate consideration of climate change adaptation measures, by March 31, 2023. |
Performance Indicator: In fiscal year 2020-21, Small Craft Harbours (SCH) continued to use the internally developed Coastal Infrastructure Vulnerability Index (CIVI) tool, which is a national geodatabase encompassing a wide variety of information including sea-level rise projections, as well as other scientific, engineering, and socio-economic information. The CIVI tool is being used to guide decision-makers, by enabling SCH to identify areas of vulnerability to climate change. In addition to the CIVI tool the Canadian Extreme Water Level Adaptation Tool is also utilized during the design stage of infrastructure upgrade projects to improve protection and stabilization, and ensure enhanced resilience. The CIVI tool is now being considered for use to assess other coastal infrastructure within DFO’s portfolio of assets. The tool will continue to be used by the Department for analysis to fully understand the risks and vulnerabilities, which will assist in the development of well-designed climate change adaptation measures. On March 31, 2021, DFO completed a high-level Climate Change Vulnerability Evaluation of 51 sites, where vulnerability is the set of conditions that influence the susceptibility of an asset to negative impacts resulting from climate change. The outcomes of the Evaluation will be used to inform next steps for further investigation (e.g., a comprehensive climate change resilience assessment) and/ or remediation (e.g., site-specific resilience enhancements), as well as to inform DFO’s future resilience efforts. A total of 7 site-specific climate change vulnerability assessments were completed in FY 20-21. These took place at: Canso Canal; Souris SAR; Summerside SAR; Base Trois Rivières; Grosse-Île; Île d’Entrée; and, Pointe Basse. |
Climate change is a horizontal issue that cuts across regional and sectoral lines. A strong governance regime established through ongoing intradepartmental communication will facilitate and drive internal connections and linkages, which will be necessary to effectively respond to climate change issues. Understanding climate change impacts will fulfill diverse objectives, including:
A departmental climate adaptation plan will enable DFO to use its understanding of climate change vulnerabilities to better position itself to take the necessary steps, and make the appropriate resource allocation decisions, to ensure that negative impacts are minimized in the near-term, and that any longer-term opportunities can be realized. Integrating climate change considerations into DFO’s corporate risk and business continuity planning will ensure that actions to remain resilient against climate change risks to critical assets, operations, and services remain a departmental priority and resolutions are established. DFO maintains a considerable amount of infrastructure. This infrastructure may require significant capital investment for repairing/ modifying as environmental conditions change. Understanding potential climate change impacts and risks at an asset-level can help protect DFO assets and resources, strengthen planning and decision-making, and enhance the resiliency of departmental operations and services offered to Canadians. SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.1; 13.2) |
| By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council Canada | The integration of climate change adaptation in the design and construction of buildings and engineering asset projects will be reviewed and considered at each approval gate. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Performance Indicator:
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Beyond demonstrating federal leadership in climate resilient buildings, the integration of climate-resilient building codes will promote asset integrity considerations, assist in reducing the risks of climate change to the Department’s assets, services, and operations, and exhibit prudent stewardship of DFO’s real property portfolio. SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.1; 13.2) |
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| Use 100% clean electricity by 2025 | Other | Produce or purchase megawatt hours of renewable energy equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid by 2025 in regions with carbon-emitting electricity generation, at a minimum. This includes the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site. Build a data profile of DFO assets and their energy consumption, source of electricity, and GHG emission profile. Identify critical DFO assets in need of electricity purchasing requirements due to the geographic distribution of the DFO portfolio. Identify opportunities to expand the current portfolio of renewable energy producing assets at top DFO facilities. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of clean electricity = [Y/X] percentage Supporting Indicators: [Number] of renewable energy assets installed (e.g., solar flowers). |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Percentage of clean electricity = 80% Supporting Indicators: 0 renewable energy assets installed (e.g., solar flowers) in fiscal year 2020-21. No renewable energy assets were planned to be installed in 2020-21. Moving forward, any project with a renewable energy component will be identified through project planning and implementation processes, and results will be tracked. |
Purchasing or producing clean electricity can reduce the GHG emissions resulting from conventional provincial electricity grids, improve energy security, and demonstrate leadership. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.2; 12.7) |
| Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government | Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation | Explore potential opportunities with Public Services and Procurement Canada and examine impact on availability and costs (especially in remote locations) to minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation projects. | Performance indicator: Processes are put in place to ensure consideration is given to minimize embodied carbon in future construction and major renovation projects by March 31, 2021. |
Performance Indicator: DFO is working to minimize carbon emissions and as a result is reviewing existing approval documents to continue to ensure that they are taken into account for future construction and renovation projects. As of March 31, 2021, no formal processes have been put in place to ensure consideration is given to minimize embodied carbon in future construction and renovation projects. However, DFO is aware of this commitment and has initiated discussions with stakeholders on how to ensure that future construction and renovation projects minimize carbon emissions. |
Beyond demonstrating federal leadership in green initiatives, this will promote environmental and possibly health and safety considerations and exhibit prudent stewardship of DFO’s real property portfolio. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
| The potential use of alternative energy options in national safety and security-related fleet operations will be examined |
Drive development of novel solutions for generating emissions-free energy through the operation of marine vessels. Ensure that the future Coast Guard fleet meets the regulations under the amended International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Adopt hybrid propulsion systems where possible. Study the feasibility of using dual fuel (diesel/ Liquefied Natural Gas) for program icebreakers and understand its impact on other classes of new vessels. |
In the absence of validated quantitative data for the emissions level of the existing CCG fleet, qualitative improvements from past technologies will be provided. | CCG’s Kinetic Energy Harvesting for Marine Vessels Challenge proceeded through Phase 1 (Proof of Concept) after receiving 42 applications for funding to develop solutions that might help CCG and the broader maritime sector meet decarbonization-related operational requirements in the context of climate change action and the Greening Government Strategy. Four kinetic energy harvesting technology proofs-of-concept have been developed. The Polar Ice Breaker concept design intends to incorporate hybrid technology. Growing evidence suggests that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – while technically feasible – would be of limited benefit to DFO/CCG given the limited emissions savings and significant infrastructure investments required to support it. DFO will investigate the feasibility of planning for future fuel flexibility, given that hydrogen-based fuel solutions, if commercially adopted, would make significantly better contributions to the Greening Government targets. CCG seeks to implement the International Maritime Organization strategy on reduction of GHG emissions for ships and the MARPOL regulations through a mix of technical, operational and innovative solutions applicable to the future fleet. This includes the adoption of proven technology applicable to CCG operations. In a collaborative study with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), the Fleet Foresight and Integration (FF&I) team is evaluating hybrid propulsion options for CCG fleet operations. In an additional study with AECL and CNL, the FF&I team is evaluating zero-emission energy systems, as well as associated equipment and infrastructure to enable zero-emissions operations for CCG’s fleet. |
Increased use of lower carbon alternative energy sources will reduce emissions relative to conventional sources. The CCG, in collaboration with Innovative Solutions Canada, challenged Canadian small and medium enterprises to propose novel solutions for generating electricity aboard marine vessels through harvesting kinetic energy. This challenge signals the Government of Canada’s progressive approach to decarbonizing marine vessel operation, and is explicitly intended to yield solutions that can be scaled across the entire maritime sector, generating Canadian intellectual property and jobs, while driving down GHG emissions. The use of diesel electric and hybrid propulsion for new vessels will reduce the use of generators and emissions (unless it is not suitable for the operational profile of the vessel). The CCG will continue to look at alternate fuel (e.g., biofuel) and other synthetic fuels when they are commercially viable to further reduce emissions. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.2; 12.7) |
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| Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions | Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
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Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
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| Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects | The Department will lead by example through the early adoption of clean technology innovations. DFO has numerous renewable energy projects that are operational (e.g., Canadian Coast Guard College has multiple solar flowers as demonstration projects). The Department will look to identify additional opportunities for renewable energy implementation, and continue to identify alternative procurement options prioritizing efficiency and energy savings. Implement projects associated with the Greening Government Fund:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
The one clean energy project was an Air Handling Unit and Ventilation Replacement for Support Buildings in the Ontario and Prairie region. As DFO embarks on the review of future renewable energy projects, opportunities for building automation will be explored. |
The departmental actions are targeted to identify opportunities where additional improvements can be implemented. The Department will aim to capitalize on Government-wide initiatives and funds to accelerate capital projects focusing on energy conservation to lower costs that in turn should reduce associated GHG emissions. The project underway at Canadian Coast Guard College will aim to automate data collection from important building systems for state-of-the-art monitoring and response capabilities. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.2; 12.7) |
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| Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees | Ensure decisions makers, materiel management and specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
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Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7) |
Context: Effective Action on Climate Change
DFO is working closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada and other partners to increase our understanding of climate change impacts, and is taking action to adapt to current and future changes, reduce risk, and increase resiliency through the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. This work includes: research and monitoring to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities; the development of adaptation tools for coastal regions; and, the improvement of ocean forecasting. This knowledge helps inform decisions related to the management of fisheries, oceans, and coastal infrastructure. For example, scientists are improving our ability to predict changing ocean conditions; increasing our understanding of the state and extent of ocean acidification in Canada’s three oceans and its impact on marine species and ecosystems; and, assessing the vulnerability of commercial fish species and their prey to changing ocean conditions driven by climate change.
Effective Action on Climate Change: A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels | Work with partners on climate change | Collect ocean data (temperature and salinity) through Canada’s network of Argo ocean array floats and advance commitments made during Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency, including up to $5.6 million to support the Argo ocean array. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 33 floats in support of the Argo ocean array were deployed. Target: 20 floats will be deployed by March 31, 2023. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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DFO contributes to the Argo global collaborative project, an array of over 4,000 free-drifting floats that collects data on ocean temperature and salinity. This data provides valuable information on changes to the Earth's climate and hydrological cycle. Continuous global coverage is needed in order to accurately quantify longer-term changes happening in the ocean. Argo data is publically available for free and is used for a variety of purposes such as assessing climate change, improving weather forecasts and developing ocean models. http://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/isdm-gdsi/argo/index-eng.html SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.2; 13.3) |
| Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change | Conduct scientific research, modelling and analysis to build knowledge of climate change and its impacts. Collect data through the Department’s ocean chemistry monitoring activities. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 100% of planned aquatic climate change research projects were completed (2/2). Target: Greater than or equal to 80% annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Fifteen projects were funded in 2020-21. Of those, twelve were completed on time, two were delayed due to COVID-19, and one for other reasons. The delayed projects will be completed as planned shortly without additional funding/resource requirements. |
Through the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Program, DFO is:
SDG: 14 – Healthy Coasts and Oceans (14.2) |
Context: Healthy Coasts and Oceans
DFO is committed to protecting Canada’s coasts and oceans by leading efforts, with support from ECCC and Parks Canada Agency and various partners, to achieve the Government of Canada’s commitment to protect 25% of marine and coastal areas by 2025, working towards 30% by 2030. As of August 1, 2019, 13.81% of Canada’s marine and coastal areas are protected. Work is also moving forward on continued implementation and development of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF) policies to support a precautionary approach and an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Implementation of the SFF policies will help ensure that all major fish and invertebrate stocks are managed and harvested sustainably, legally, and through ecosystem approaches. In addition, DFO is committed to implementing the Fish Stocks provisions in the amended Fisheries Act,and to do so DFO continues to advance work in the areas of science, fishery management, policy and regulatory development.
Healthy Coasts and Oceans: Coasts and oceans support healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures | Protect and manage marine and coastal areas | Continue to work with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, and stakeholders in pursuit of future marine conservation targets:
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Performance Indicator: Percentage of marine and coastal area that is conserved. Starting Point: In 2013, approximately 1% of Canada’s coastal and marine area was conserved. As of August 1, 2019, 13.81% of Canada’s coastal and marine area has been conserved. Target: A new international target is undergoing negotiation by Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is expected to be 30% of marine and coastal areas protected by 2030. This is in line with the Department’s 2019 mandate commitment to work with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada Agency to develop a plan to conserve 25% of Canada’s oceans by 2025, working towards 30% by 2030. An update will be provided through DFO’s Departmental Plan.Footnote 3 |
Performance Indicator: 13.81% of marine and coastal area is conserved. In the September 2020 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada announced its commitment to preserving Canada’s nature legacy by protecting 25% of Canada’s lands and 25% of oceans by 2025. Canada is also working with CBD Parties to develop the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, to be adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD in Fall 2021. This goal builds on earlier marine conservation commitments by the Government of Canada as outlined in this chapter. |
DFO, in collaboration with other federal departments/ agencies, has surpassed the marine conservation target of conserving 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020. Protecting these ecologically important areas is key to achieving the FSDS goal of supporting healthy coasts and oceans. The target was achieved through the implementation of a five-point plan that included the establishment of MPAs and OECMs, such as marine refuges. Canada’s approach was guided by three foundational principles – science-based decision-making, transparency, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous groups. Collaboration and coordination with partners and stakeholders is a vital component of achieving Canada’s marine conservation target, sustaining healthy relationships, and supporting information sharing and communication amongst key partners and stakeholders. In April 2019, the Government of Canada also announced two new protection standards: one for federal MPAs; and one for federal marine OECMs, including marine refuges. All future federal MPAs will prohibit oil and gas exploration and exploitation, mining, dumping, as well as commercial and recreational bottom trawling. Activities in federal marine OECMs will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that risks to the area are avoided or mitigated effectively. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.5) |
| Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries | Conduct scientific research and monitoring and provide science advice to support marine conservation. Conduct scientific assessments (biophysical and ecological overviews) to:
Advance Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) based on science-based guidance and advice. Develop State of the Ocean Reports for each of Canada’s three oceans. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 77% of approved science advisory processes on aquatic ecosystems were completed. Target: 90% annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Some of the planned advisory processes were deferred due to COVID-19 challenges and restrictions. |
Identification and description of ecologically significant areas informs marine conservation measures. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.5) |
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| Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans | Continue to improve and use relevant laws and regulations to protect Canada’s coastal and ocean territory and to ensure fisheries are sustainable.
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Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, marine spatial planning was initiated in five marine areas, to culminate in at least four Marine Spatial Plans by 2024Footnote 4. At the end of fiscal year 2019-20, zero plans had been fully developed. Target: Four Marine Spatial Plans will be developed by 2023-24. Note: Regulators and users are involved in the process of decisions and use information in development of plans. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
As part of its commitment to oceans co-management, the Government of Canada is on track to securing commitment and co-developing Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) work plans with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners. This progress lays the foundation for developing interactive marine data maps, building capacity to enable Indigenous participation as partners in MSP processes, and finalizing plans by 2024. |
Ocean regulators and users use information relating to the conservation and management of the marine environment to make decisions that protect Canada’s coasts and oceans. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.5) |
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| By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested at levels considered to be sustainable, from a baseline of 96% harvested within established ecosystem limits in 2016 | Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries | Conduct scientific monitoring and research activities for aquatic species. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 85% of approved client requests for science advice to support management decisions on fisheries resources were completed in the time required. Target: 90% annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
Some of the planned advisory processes were deferred due to COVID-19 challenges and restrictions. |
Peer-reviewed science advice of fisheries resources improves our knowledge of fisheries resources, their productivity and factors affecting them to support sustainable fisheries management. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.4) |
| Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans | Implement limit reference points and harvest control rules for major fish stocks. Prescribe major stocks in regulation, thus making them subject to the new Fish Stocks provisions (s. 6.1-6.3) in the recently amended Fisheries Act. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
Starting Point: Based on the results of the 2019 Sustainability Survey for Fisheries, of the 176 major stocks assessed in 2019, 72 stocks (40.9%) had limit reference points and harvest control rulesFootnote 5. Target: Greater than or equal to 50% by 2023. Note: Major fish stocks generally refers to, but is not limited to, fish stocks with an annual landed value of greater than $1 million or an annual landed weight of greater than 2,000 tonnes. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-2021:
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Ensuring that limit reference points and harvest control rules are in place will help with the sustainable management and harvest of all major fish and invertebrate stocks. By prescribing major stocks in regulation and making them subject to the Fish Stocks provisions, there will be binding legal obligations to manage these stocks sustainably. These provisions require prescribed major fish stocks above their limit reference point to be maintained at levels necessary to promote sustainability, and to rebuild prescribed major fish stocks that are at or below their limit reference point. To facilitate this, the development of limit reference points and harvest control rules will be accelerated. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.4) |
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| Implement policies for sustainable fisheries | Take concrete steps to implement an ecosystem approach to fisheries management through refined advice to take account of environmental factors in stock assessments and the continued implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF) policies in Canada’s fisheries. Continue to develop SFF policies, where required. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: Based on the results of the 2019 Sustainability Survey for Fisheries, of the 176 major stocks assessed in 2019, 166 stocks (94%) were harvested at sustainable levelsFootnote 6. Target: Greater than or equal to 96% by 2023. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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The continued implementation of the SFF policies will help ensure that all major fish and invertebrate stocks are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and taking into account ecosystem factors. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.4) |
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| Actions Supporting the Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans | Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries | Measure the state and extent of ocean acidification in Canadian waters. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, data were provided to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) on the average pH for each of Canada’s three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic). Target: Canada’s data is provided annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
In 2020-21, an average pH measurement was provided to the IOC for each of Canada’s three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic). |
As an IOC Member State, Canada, through DFO, contributes to annual ocean acidification data collection. Ocean acidification due to rising CO2 levels, affects organisms and ecosystems, as well as coastal areas (reefs). Increasing acidification decreases the oceans ability to store CO2, thereby decreasing the ocean’s role in regulating climate change. Regular observations and measurements of ocean acidification improve our understanding of these negative effects and enables modelling and predictions to inform mitigation and adaptation strategies. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.3) |
| Establish baselines for Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) for Coast Guard vessels. | This is a new action and performance metrics will be provided in a future update. | The CCG is in the beginning stages of undertaking the establishment of baseline values. Baseline data will be reported through a future quantitative analysis. Discussions are currently taking place between Transport Canada, DFO, and the CCG on the work to establish baselines. Within Canada there are two areas where underwater noise is being captured - Boundary Pass (near Vancouver) and Halifax Harbour. Data is currently being obtained from these two sources to evaluate the noise levels from CCG ships that have passed through these two hydrophones. The information should provide an indication of the noise generated by the CCG vessels. Discussions are also being held to determine the specific evaluation parameters that can target immediate noise reductions on existing vessels, and to look at initiatives that can be implemented during future refits. |
The CCG is supporting Transport Canada’s Innovative Solutions Canada challenge on marine vessel URN. Certain frequencies of URN are harmful to marine mammals, and the CCG is actively seeking opportunities to baseline URN signatures (acoustic emissions) from Coast Guard vessels, and participate in collaborative efforts to drive down URN via a spectrum of measures, from modifications to vessel systems to hull-grooming and propeller maintenance. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.1) |
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| Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems | Support the development of novel solutions to reduce plastic pollution. | This is a new action and performance metrics will be provided in a future update. | The CCG collaborated with Transport Canada to develop an Innovative Solutions Canada challenge to Canadian industry innovators, targeting recycling Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics, which comprise a large proportion of Vessels of Concern hulls. The challenge was met by numerous innovator teams across Canada, and the CCG participated in evaluations of proposals and Phase 1 Proofs of Concepts, yielding funded prototype development, which is underway. Three proofs-of-concept were developed for recycling Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastics. |
The Government of Canada has committed to address this issue under the Oceans Protection Plan. This collaborative work targets novel solutions for processing Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic hulls and retaining reusable material without emitting GHGs. This work supports SDG 14 target to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds by 2025. SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.1) |
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| Other | Address hydrographic information gaps in the North through enhanced modern hydrography and charting to improve electronic navigational chart coverage of areas that have not yet been sufficiently surveyed within the proposed Low Impact Shipping Corridors in the Arctic. Conduct highly intensive modern hydrographic surveying and charting activities to generate Electronic Navigation Charts for highly critical areas (near-shore, high risk coastal and inland water zones) across the country, including 23 of Canada’s highest priority commercial ports and waterways. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 669 official navigational products were created and/ or updated from incorporation of new and/ or archived modern hydrography in key areas. Target: 200annually. Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting point: In 2019-20, 10 of the 23 ports have been fully surveyed and charted. Target: 23 of the highest priority commercial ports have been surveyed and charted by March 31, 2022. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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These actions will advance efforts towards the development of a world-leading marine safety system in Canada and will:
SDG: 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9.1) |
Context: Pristine Lakes and Rivers
DFO provides support to the International Institute for Sustainable Development Experimental Lakes Area to conduct scientific research that will help us better understand freshwater ecosystems. The Department will also continue to conduct scientific research and monitoring activities in freshwater environments, with a focus on the Lake Winnipeg Basin and the Great Lakes- St. Lawrence River Basin.
Pristine Lakes and Rivers: Clean and healthy lakes and rivers support economic prosperity and the well-being of Canadians
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions supporting the Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers | Provide support and funding for projects | Support external scientific research and monitoring activities to better understand freshwater ecosystems. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 100% of funds for contribution agreements supported freshwater research. Target: 100% annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Results of scientific activities will provide information and advice to inform decisions related to the protection and restoration of Canadian freshwater ecosystems. SDG: 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (6.6) |
| Better understand lake and river ecosystems | Conduct scientific research and analysis to better understand lake and river ecosystems, monitor their health, and provide information to support stakeholder decision making and help Canadians monitor the state of lakes and rivers. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, four CSAS publications were completed; two relevant research documents were also published in the primary literature. Target: Four publications annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
The above does not capture CSAS processes for which documents are not yet published nor research documents that were published in the primary literature. In 2020-21, two CSAS processes were held (one in February and one in March), however, resulting CSAS documents are currently being completed and will be published in 2021-22. |
Freshwater research contributes to improved understanding of lake and river ecosystems and in turn the development of management measures for their sustainable management. The Department undertakes targeted research on the effectiveness of management measures and produces science advice on monitoring programs, and assists in the interpretation of monitoring results. SDG: 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (6.6) |
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| Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems | Administer the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act to minimize or avoid impacts to freshwater aquatic ecosystems. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 93% of development projects occurring in or near water effectively avoided, mitigated or offset impacts to fish and fish habitat. Target: 100% annually |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Efforts to conserve and protect freshwater fish and fish habitat will result in improved health of Canada’s lakes and rivers. SDG: 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (6.6) |
Context: Healthy Wildlife Populations
DFO supports the protection and recovery of listed aquatic species in Canada and their critical habitats and residences, with the ultimate goal of preventing the extirpation (extinction in the wild) or extinction of aquatic species. The Department provides scientific information and advice that contribute to species status reports produced by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada to help inform the risk status of aquatic species. DFO’s Species at Risk program for aquatic species is informed by sound scientific research and Indigenous and community knowledge, and takes into account socio-economic and stakeholder considerations as required, in support of activities in the species at risk conservation cycle. This is reflected in listing processes and recovery documents published on the Species at Risk Public Registry, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada. DFO is transitioning its approach towards multi-species and ecosystem approaches to species at risk survival and recovery, with identified priorities for collaborative action. The Department has several grants and contribution funding programs to support the stewardship and recovery actions of partners from across the country: the Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk; the Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk; and, the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.
Healthy Wildlife Population: All species have healthy and viable populations
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2020, species that are secure remain secure and populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans | Work with partners to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada |
With our partners, strategically focus efforts and resources on shared priority places, species and threats to enable ecosystem-based approaches with multi-species and biodiversity conservation benefits. | This is a new action and performance metrics will be provided in a future update. | To be updated in the 2021-22 cycle. | DFO is transitioning its approach towards multi-species, place-based and threat-based approaches to species at risk survival and recovery, with identified priorities for collaborative action. DFO is exploring opportunities to transform and modernize its delivery of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) by leveraging tools available under other Acts administered by the Department and by supporting multi-species, threat-based, and place-based approaches to SARA delivery. SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5) |
| Implement, innovate and modernize the regulatory and policy framework and tools to protect species at risk and migratory birds |
Identify critical habitat, either partially or completely, for the survival or recovery of species at risk in recovery documents. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 54% of listed Endangered or Threatened aquatic species had a critical habitat order published on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Target: 75% by March 31, 2023. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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DFO, in cooperation with Parks Canada, supports the management and recovery of listed aquatic species in Canada and the protection of their critical habitats and residences, with the ultimate goal of preventing the extinction or extirpation (i.e., extinction in the wild) of aquatic species. DFO is exploring opportunities to transform and modernize its delivery of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) by leveraging tools available under other Acts administered by the Department and by supporting multi-species, threat-based, and place-based approaches to SARA delivery. SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5) |
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| Deliver enhanced conservation action | Promote and enable stewardship actions of partners/stakeholders in species at risk protection and recovery activities through the Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk; Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk; and, Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 136 contribution agreements were signed with partners in support of aquatic species at risk stewardship activities. Target: Full utilization of grants and contributions funding annually for stewardship activities. Note: A numerical target has not been provided as the number of annual signed contribution agreements cannot be planned or predicted. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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DFO supports the stewardship and recovery actions of partners from across the country under its grants and contributions funding programs:
The HSP and AFSAR programs offer approximately $5.9M per year to groups in every region of Canada with an interest in aquatic species conservation so they may implement stewardship activities for at risk aquatic species. The CNFASAR, funded as the aquatic arm of the Canada Nature Fund under the Canada Nature Legacy Initiative, provides $55 million over five years to support recovery actions in priority places and to mitigate priority threats to aquatic species at risk. SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5; 15.A) |
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| Work with partners to enhance foundational knowledge of species, habitats and ecosystems |
Publish recovery or management documents on the public-facing Species at Risk Public Registry. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 80% of aquatic species listed under SARA had a recovery strategy or management plan published on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Target: 80% by March 31, 2023. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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DFO’s Species at Risk program for aquatic species is informed by sound scientific research, Indigenous and community knowledge and takes into account socio-economic and stakeholder considerations, in support of activities in the species at risk conservation cycle. This is reflected in listing and recovery documents published on the Species at Risk Public Registry. SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5) |
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| Build capacity and promote education | Maintain an online aquatic species at risk map that lets Canadians know where aquatic species at risk and their critical habitat are located across Canada. | Performance Indicator: Number of unique page views to the National Aquatic Species at Risk Map. Starting Point: The National Aquatic Species at Risk Map was launched on September 24, 2018. It is consistently one of the 45 most visited DFO webpages. Target: A consistent number of page views (between 400-500 per week). |
Performance Indicator: 24,207 unique page views to the National Aquatic Species at Risk Map for 2020-21 (average 466 unique views per week). |
DFO provides a public facing aquatic species at risk map which compiles critical habitat and distribution data for aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act. It is intended to provide an overview of the distribution of all listed aquatic species at risk and the presence of their critical habitat within Canadian waters. DFO encourages people who are considering a project to visit the National Aquatic Species at Risk Map website to facilitate locating these species and plan their project accordingly. SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5) |
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| Uphold international commitments related to Wildlife |
Support work undertaken with international partners to protect and conserve species at risk in particular as it relates to furthering species recovery as defined under Target 2 of the Convention of Biodiversity. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 37% of reassessed listed aquatic species have trends consistent with population and distribution objectives laid out in recovery strategies or management plans. Target: 75% by May 1, 2025. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Internationally, it is recognized that we are experiencing a loss and decline in biodiversity. The slight decrease in the number of species with trends consistent with recovery objectives, along with an increase in the number of reassessed listed species, results in a decrease in our overall percentage when compared to 2019-20. |
DFO continues to streamline processes and procedures; identify priority areas, threats, and species; and adopt multi-species and ecosystem-based approaches to guide Species at Risk Act implementation efforts in line with the Nature Legacy initiative. These steps will help to address a backlog related to commitments for publishing recovery documents and protection requirements for critical habitat. SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5) |
Context: Sustainable Food
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector and provides half of all fish for human consumption in the worldFootnote 7. Aquaculture represents approximately 20% of total seafood production in Canada and about a third of total fisheries valueFootnote 8. In the coming decade, a shortfall in fish and seafood is projected, which can be met by increased aquaculture productionFootnote 9. DFO contributes to the goal of sustainable food by supporting sustainable aquaculture production which is informed by aquaculture science research, and implemented through science-based decision making, and improved policies and regulations.
The Department also conducts scientific research to increase knowledge of effects from aquaculture on the environment, which can assist in the implementation of management measures aimed at maintaining ecosystem health.
Sustainable Food: Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achieve 90% compliance with Fisheries Act regulations related to aquaculture | Use legislation and regulations to ensure sustainable aquaculture | Inspect aquaculture operations to validate licence reporting, and determine compliance with aquaculture licences, conditions of licence, and other applicable legislation. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: Of the 219 aquaculture operations inspected in 2019, 99% of inspections did not result in charges and 67% of inspections did not identify violationsFootnote 10. Target: 90% of inspections result in no charges laid under Fisheries Act regulations related to aquaculture annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Inspections conducted by Fishery Officers validate licence reporting, and determine whether there is compliance with aquaculture licences, conditions of licence, and other applicable legislation. When necessary, Fishery Officers respond to complaints and conduct investigations to ensure aquaculture operations are sustainably managed. SDG: 2 – Zero Hunger |
| Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food | Increase knowledge supporting sustainable agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture | Conduct targeted regulatory research on fish pests and pathogens, ecosystem management and interactions with wild fish populations, as well as collaborative research to improve environmental decision making and sustainability of the aquaculture industry. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 96% of sustainable aquaculture research projects provided information and / or advice to policy and decision makers. Target: 90% annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
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Targeted regulatory research is conducted to improve the knowledge base that supports the sustainable management of the aquaculture industry. Ensuring that this information is made available to policy and decision-makers facilitates its use in meeting this goal. SDG: 2 – Zero Hunger (2.4) |
| Work with partners to address invasive alien species | Conduct science research, monitoring and provide advice to support the Department and partners in addressing aquatic invasive species. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2019-20, 67% of approved requests for science advice on aquatic invasive species were completed. This would have been 100%, but one process was delayed from March 2020 to June 2020 as a result of COVID-19. Target: 90% annually. |
Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Some of the planned advisory processes were deferred due to COVID-19 challenges and restrictions. |
Science advice is provided and made available to Canadians through the CSAS peer-reviewed science advisory process. This advice includes the evaluation of risks of species, and pathways through biological risk assessments, evaluation of effectiveness of mitigation measures, and advice on monitoring techniques and tools such as environmental DNA. SDG: 15 – Life On Land (15.8) |
Context: Safe and Healthy Communities
DFO is working to implement contaminated sites management and is committed to complete remediation and risk management activities for all priority contaminated sites in the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory. The Department’s National Contaminated Sites Management Plan, approved by senior management in December 2019, is designed to enable the Department to meet the objectives and targets established by the federal government, including the long-term target to close 95% of existing contaminated sites by 2035.
Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
| FSDS target(s) | FSDS contributing action(s) | Corresponding departmental action(s) | Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved | Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities | Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites | Implement a contaminated sites management plan to enable the Department to meet the Government of Canada’s long-term target to bring 95% of the contaminated sites listed in the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory to the point of closure, or risk management. | Performance Indicator: From fiscal year 2020-21:
Starting Point: In 2018-19, the Department was responsible for a total of 2,588 sites where contamination may exist and assessment, remediation and / or monitoring are required. Target: By 2025, the Department expects to:
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Performance Indicator: As of March 31, 2021:
From fiscal year 2020-21:
Cumulatively since 2018-19 (including FY 2020-21 results):
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The assessment and remediation of contaminated sites help to effectively mitigate or manage ecological and human health risks, helping Canadians to live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being. SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4) |
4. Report on integrating sustainable development
Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process. A SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.
Public statements on the results of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s assessments are made public when an initiative that has undergone a detailed SEA (see here). The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision-making.- Date modified: