AWA Letter to DFO Regarding the Draft Offsetting Policy

November 9, 2023

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• Native Coldwater Fish
• Wildwater

Click the link below to view AWA’s letter submitted to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) on November 9, 2023, regarding the draft discussion document: Policy for Applying Measures to Offset Harmful Impacts to Fish and Fish Habitat (Draft Offsetting Policy), which was released by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for public comment in May 2023.

20231109_lt_awa_to_dfo_ffhpp_offsetting

Summary of AWA Concerns and/or Recommendations:

1. Offsetting should never be permitted for works, undertakings, or activities that may have adverse impacts on species at-risk and/or their critical habitat.
2. Offsetting plans need to be constructed and proven functioning and effective prior to any impacts to verify that the offsetting has resulted in net positive benefits.
3. Offsetting plans should require the proponent to provide greater compensation (i.e., a net positive contribution) for impacted aquatic species.
4. Offsetting plans should only be considered as a very last resort.