Species at Risk Act management scenarios summary for Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub
This is a summary of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Management Scenarios for the potential listing of Lake Chub (Couesius plumbeus), Liard Hot Springs populations (herein referred to as Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub), as threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The “Do Not List” scenario outlines measures that could be implemented if Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub is declined for listing. The “List” scenario outlines legislative requirements and other measures that could be implemented if the species is listed as threatened under SARA.
These scenarios are used as part of the advice to support decision-making by the Governor in Council. Confirmation of specific actions will follow the listing decision. DFO is unable to commit to specific actions on behalf of other federal agencies, the Government of British Columbia, Indigenous partners, or stakeholders. Protections under the Fisheries Act remain in place regardless of the listing decision.
| Activity | Do Not List | List |
|---|---|---|
SARA general prohibitions |
No measures would be implemented under SARA. |
No person shall kill, harm, harass, capture, take, possess, collect, buy, sell, or trade Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub (s.32). |
SARA recovery planning |
No measures would be implemented under SARA. |
Development of a recovery strategy (s.37) and an action plan (s.47). Identification of critical habitat to the extent possible (s.41[1][c] and [c.1]). |
Grants and Contributions Funding and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) |
SARA-related grants and contributions eligibility is limited to the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) and the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR). Species declined for listing are at substantially lower priority for AFSAR and HSP funding than listed species or species under consideration for listing. Ineligible for the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk and Canada-British Columbia MOU funding. |
Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub would be eligible for all SARA-related grants and contributions funding and Canada-British Columbia MOU funding. |
Habitat protection |
No measures would be implemented under SARA. Habitat protections under the Fisheries Act remain in place. |
Protection of identified critical habitat under a Critical Habitat Order (s.58[4],[5]). SARA agreements or permits may be issued, subject to pre-conditions (s.73[3]). DFO would consider SARA prohibitions in regulatory reviews, including for SARA permits or Fisheries Act authorizations that also act as SARA permits for some activities (s.73[2][b] and [c]). |
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) management |
No measures would be implemented under SARA. Ongoing management under the Fisheries Act and Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. |
Additional AIS measures may be identified under a recovery strategy or action plan. AIS measures supporting Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub remain eligible for SARA grants and contributions and Canada-British Columbia MOU funding. SARA permits may be issued for AIS mitigation activities affecting Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub (s.73[2]) |
Pollution prevention |
No measures would be implemented under SARA. Pollution prevention measures under the Fisheries Act remain in place. |
Additional pollution prevention measures may be identified under a recovery strategy or action plan. Pollution prevention measures supporting Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub remain eligible for SARA grants and contributions and Canada-British Columbia MOU funding. DFO would consider threat of pollution in regulatory reviews, including for SARA permits or Fisheries Act authorizations that also act as SARA permits for some activities (s.73[2][b] and [c]). |
Research and monitoring |
No specific incremental research and monitoring activities are expected. |
Research and monitoring measures supporting Liard Hot Springs Lake Chub remain eligible for SARA grants and contributions and Canada-British Columbia MOU funding. SARA agreements or permits may be issued to support research and monitoring work, subject to pre-conditions (s.73[3]). S.83(4) exemptions may be considered if activities are eligible per the recovery strategy. |