AWA’s comments on the Proposed Recovery Strategy for Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Alberta Population

On December 24, 2013, the federal government released a Proposed Recovery Strategy for Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) Alberta Population. After consulting with many leading fish biologists in Alberta and British Columbia, AWA has concerns regarding the proposed Recovery Strategy. In particular we believe that the critical habitat identification is not consistent with the requirements of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and is inadequate for the successful recovery of westslope cutthroat trout. We encourage you to submit comments to push for the increase in critical habitat designation for this threatened native species. The consultation period on the Species at Risk Public Registry ends February 22, 2014 but Fisheries and Ocean Canada will accept comments until March 31, 2014.