Portage Island National Wildlife Area Management Plan: chapter 8


8 Enforcement

The management of National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) is based on three Acts and their regulations:

  • Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations
  • Canada Wildlife Act and Wildlife Area Regulations
  • Species at Risk Act

To promote compliance with the Canada Wildlife Act and Wildlife Area Regulations, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) posts signs along the NWA boundaries and at main access points identifying the authorized activities within the NWA and any conditions imposed on those activities.

The Wildlife Enforcement Directorate (WED) of Environment Canada is responsible for enforcement of federal and provincial wildlife laws. Directorate officers perform on-site inspections and investigations and patrol the NWA to promote compliance and prevent prohibited uses within the NWA. When necessary, charges will be laid.

Officers monitor compliance with the Canada Wildlife Act on an ongoing basis and will initiate investigations when required. Officials with the CWS Atlantic Region Protected Areas program provide WED staff with details from site inspections that may require enforcement action.

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