Language selection

Search

Engagement on the science-based whale review

Engagement on the science-based whale review: A summary of what was heard, March 2018

Engagement on the science-based whale review: A summary of what was heard, March 2018 (PDF, 1.28 MB)

A summary of what was heard
March 2018

Engagement on the Science-based Whale Review
A Summary of What was Heard

Prepared by the consortium of Nielsen, Delaney + Associates, PubliVate.
Contract #: FP918-17-0001

Ce document est également disponible en français.

Table of Contents

2. Project Background

Phase 1: Scientific Review Process

In Phase 1, Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists assessed the overall effectiveness of the recovery actions undertaken to date at reducing the key threats to the three endangered whale populations. They also identified areas for immediate improvement in recovery efforts and priorities for new or enhanced efforts, most of which could be initiated within five years.

An assessment of the threats affecting each whale population forms the basis for recovery measures that are identified in recovery strategies and action plans required under the Species at Risk Act  (2002). Footnote 3, Footnote 4, Footnote 5 For the Science-Based Whale Review, Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists also identified priority management actions to abate the key threats to these three whale populations from a scientific perspective only, to help support recovery. These priority management actions, including timing and prioritization, were informed by:

In some cases new actions were identified, while in others, actions already identified in published Recovery Strategies or Action Plans were further refined. For the Southern Resident Killer Whale, a newly emerged threat of vessel strikes was identified. For the detailed methodology, please refer to the complete Phase 1 science assessment reports.

The findings from the Science-Based Whale Review do not replace documents already developed under the Species at Risk Act, but are complementary to those documents. Results are intended to help focus management efforts, and augment the prioritization of recovery measures in those documents.

The priority management actions identified in Phase 1 have implications for Canadians, all levels of Government, Indigenous groups, industry (both large and small business) and the many non-governmental groups who work to protect the environment.

Phase 2: Engagement Process

Through the engagement process, the Government of Canada sought feedback on the priority management actions and on how governments, Indigenous groups, stakeholders (environmental groups; industry; key partners) and the public can work together on implementation.

The engagement activities took place from June 15 to September 19, 2017. See Section 3 – Summary of Engagement Strategy for details.

The three key objectives of the engagement were to:

Phase 3: What Was Heard Report

This ‘What Was Heard’ report on the Science-Based Whale Review includes results from the engagement process for all three endangered whale populations. The report summarizes what was heard from participants at regional in person/webinar meetings across the country, written submissions (e-mails, letters), and the public through the online portal (Let’s Talk Whales).

The feedback the Government of Canada received during the engagement will inform further discussions and implementation planning for enhanced recovery efforts for these whale populations. These efforts could also have benefits for other whale populations in Canada.

Date modified: