Vananda Creek Benthic Stickleback Critical Habitat

Summary#

The government registered the Critical Habitat of the Vananda Creek Benthic Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) Order under the Species at Risk Act on February 17, 2020; it was published in the Canada Gazette on March 4, 2020. The order makes the critical habitat identified in the species’ recovery strategy subject to the protections of the Act. It was issued by Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

What it does#

• Declares that Subsection 58(1) of the Species at Risk Act applies to the critical habitat for the Vananda Creek benthic threespine stickleback that is described in the species’ recovery strategy on the Species at Risk Public Registry.
• Notes that the Minister consulted a wildlife management board that has authority under a land claims agreement about the order. The order does not name which board.
• Comes into force on the day it was registered: February 17, 2020.

Who's affected#

• People and groups who use, own or manage land and water in and near the Vananda Creek area.
• Developers, construction crews, or resource users whose work could affect creek habitat.
• Fishers, recreational users, and conservation groups concerned with local species and habitat.
• The unnamed wildlife management board that was consulted.
• The order points to habitat described in the recovery strategy; the Gazette notice itself does not give a detailed map or the exact boundaries in this text.

Why it matters#

• It brings the creek’s critical habitat for an endangered fish under federal protection. That can change what activities are allowed in the area and affect permits, projects, or development that might harm the habitat.
• It supports efforts to recover and prevent the loss of this endangered stickleback population.
• For local residents and businesses, the change may mean new rules or reviews before work that affects the creek can proceed.