Amend Schedule 1: Basking Shark and 14 Species

Summary#

This is a proposed federal order called the Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act (Basking Shark Atlantic Population and 14 Other Wildlife Species). It would update the official list of at‑risk wildlife under the Species at Risk Act to reflect recent expert assessments by COSEWIC and could lead to new protections and recovery plans for those species. The proposal was published on October 10, 2026 and the public can comment until November 9, 2026 (30 days).

What it does#

• Adds 11 new fish and marine species or populations to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act.
• Reclassifies 2 already-listed populations (changes their risk level).
• Splits 1 existing listed population into 2 separate designatable units (distinct populations).
• Changes the common or scientific names of 11 species on the list (no change in their risk category).
• If finalized, species listed as endangered or threatened would be subject to SARA’s prohibitions against harming them or their residences and would get recovery strategies and action plans. Species listed as of special concern would get management plans.
• The government estimates it would need to develop or amend 6 recovery strategies/action plans and several management plans if the Order goes ahead.

Who's affected#

• Fishers and seafood processors that sometimes catch Porbeagle and certain skates as bycatch. The government estimates a small industry cost of about $11,000 over 10 years (an annualized $1,500), because bycatch could not be retained in commercial or recreational fisheries unless authorized.
• Federal departments involved in wildlife and fisheries conservation, especially Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada, which would lead recovery and management planning and enforcement. The estimated federal cost for developing and amending plans is about $839,100 over 10 years (an annualized $111,700).
• Indigenous groups and modern treaty wildlife management boards, who were consulted and may be involved in recovery planning. The notice says impacts on modern treaty rights are expected to be limited, but consultations continue.
• Environmental groups, scientists, and local communities that use or value affected marine and freshwater ecosystems (for example in the Atlantic, Pacific, British Columbia lakes, and the Great Lakes region).
• Some details about exactly which local fisheries or First Nations might be affected are unclear; that depends on the species’ ranges and future recovery measures.

Why it matters#

• Listing on Schedule 1 brings more formal federal attention, funding and planning to help prevent extirpation or extinction. That can mean new science, monitoring, and rules that change what people can do where the species live.
• For most species added as “special concern,” there would be no immediate ban on normal fishing activity, but management plans would be created. For species added as “threatened” or “endangered,” prohibitions could limit or require permits for activities that harm the animals or their habitat.
• The government says the overall economic impact is low: total incremental costs (industry + government) are estimated at about $850,200 over 10 years (an annualized $113,100).
• If you have a stake (fishery operator, Indigenous rights holder, coastal community, or conservation group), this is when to review the proposal and comment — the public comment period runs through November 9, 2026.