COSEWIC Assessments for Three Freshwater Fish

Summary#

The Order Acknowledging Receipt of the Assessments Done Pursuant to Subsection 23(1) of the Act: SI/2020-12 records that the federal government has received species-status assessments from COSEWIC (the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) for three freshwater fish. The assessments were done under the Species at Risk Act (SARA); the Order itself does not change legal status but starts the process that may lead to proposed listing decisions and public consultation.

What it does#

• Acknowledges that the Governor in Council (GIC), on the recommendation of the Minister of the Environment, has received the COSEWIC assessments for three aquatic species.
• The species named in the Order are:
  • Carmine Shiner (Notropis percobromus)
  • Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) — Lake Utopia large-bodied population
  • Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) — Lake Utopia small-bodied population
• Notes that these species were reassessed by COSEWIC and are being considered for reclassification (they were previously listed as threatened and have been reassessed as endangered).
• Says the Minister of the Environment, in consultation with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, will make a recommendation to the GIC about whether to amend the List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Schedule 1 of SARA).
• Proposed listing decisions will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, and will include a 30-day public comment period.
• Administrative dates: the Order was registered on January 22, 2020 and the Privy Council decision is dated January 9, 2020.

Who's affected#

• People and groups with an interest in freshwater fish and their habitat, such as local fishers and conservation organizations.
• Residents and communities around Lake Utopia may notice any later management changes for the lake’s fish populations.
• Federal departments and agencies involved in species and fisheries management, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
• It is unclear exactly which businesses or activities would be affected until any formal listing decisions and recovery measures are proposed.

Why it matters#

• This Order begins the formal government process that can lead to adding these fish to Schedule 1 of SARA. If they are listed as endangered, that can trigger recovery planning and legal protections under the Act.
• For people who use or manage the waters where these fish live, a future listing could change what activities are allowed, or require new conservation actions.
• There will be a public comment opportunity once proposed listings are published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, so interested members of the public and stakeholders can have input.