Species at Risk Act management scenarios summary for Sakinaw Lake Sockeye Salmon

This document provides a summary of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Management Scenarios for the potential listing of Sakinaw Sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka; Sakinaw SK) as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The "Do Not List" (DNL) scenario outlines potential measures to be implemented if Sakinaw SK are declined for listing. The "List" scenario outlines potential measures to be implemented if Sakinaw SK are listed as Endangered under SARA, beyond the automatic prohibitions and other requirements for species listed as Endangered under SARA.

Measures described are used as part of the advice that supports a decision by the Governor in Council (GiC). Confirmation of specific actions will follow the listing decision. DFO is unable to commit to specific actions on behalf of other federal agencies, the Province of British Columbia, Indigenous partners, or stakeholders. Protections under the Fisheries Act remain in place in either listing scenario.

SARA general prohibitions

• Do not list
  • No measures would be implemented under SARA
• List
  • No person shall kill, harm, harass, capture, take, possess, collect, buy, sell, or trade Sakinaw SK [S.32]; and, no person shall damage or destroy the residence of Sakinaw SK [S.33]

SARA recovery planning

• Do not list
  • No measures would be implemented under SARA
• List
  • Development of a recovery strategy (S.37) and, if recovery is deemed feasible, an action plan (S.47); Critical Habitat identification to the extent possible (S.41[c][c.1]) and protection under a Critical Habitat Order (S.58[4], [5]); review of permit applications for activities contrary to s.32 etc. (S.73[2][a], 73[2][b][c])

Grants and contribution funding

• Do not list
  • SARA-related grants and contributions eligibility is limited to Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk
• List
  • Sakinaw SK are eligible for SARA-related grants and contributions funding (Habitat Stewardship Program, Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk, Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk)

Enhancement

• Do not list
  • The hatchery program will continue to support survival in the short term; specific operating conditions will be determined per existing planning processes
  • Long-term commitment will require future evaluation
• List
  • Hatchery program will align with the recovery strategy, and adapt/respond to emerging research and changing conditions
  • Long-term commitment will require future evaluation
  • SARA agreements or permits may be issued, subject to pre-conditions (S.73[3])
  • Consider SARA S.83(4) exemption if activities are eligible per the recovery strategy

Research and monitoring

• Do not list
  • No specific incremental research and monitoring activities are expected under DNL
• List  
  • SARA agreements or permits may be issued to support research and monitoring work, subject to pre-conditions (S.73[3])
  • Consider SARA S.83(4) exemption if activities are eligible per the recovery strategy

Habitat protection measures – regulatory

• Do not list
  • Work with the Province of BC to include Sakinaw SK habitat information into the Water Sustainability Act reviewing tool, notifying provincial staff when a proposed project may impact Sakinaw SK habitat
• List  
  • Critical Habitat to be protected from destruction via an Order (SARA S.58[4] and [5])
  • Fisheries Act pollution management and enforcement would consider SARA general prohibitions and the protection of critical habitat (S.41, 49, 57, 58)
  • 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], [c])
  • Water Sustainability Act authorization reviews would consider SARA requirements

Habitat protection measures – non-regulatory

• Do not list
  • Coordinate amongst organizations that review activities upslope of Sakinaw Lake to minimize harm to spawning habitat
  • Pending funding (non-SARA), spawning habitat may be maintained or enhanced, as necessary
  • The Sakinaw Lake Dam Operations plan will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary to ensure sufficient water level for migratory periods 
• List
  • DNL activities apply
  • SARA agreements or permits may be issued, subject to pre-conditions (S.73[3])
  • Specific timing windows for projects near water may be identified for Sakinaw Lake, to reduce potential project impacts if permits are issued
  • SARP funding may support maintenance and enhancement of spawning habitat
  • The Sakinaw Lake Dam Operations plan will be reviewed and adjusted if necessary to comply with SARA requirements
  • Further outreach and education materials and activities may be developed to promote Sakinaw SK recovery

Fisheries management

• Do not list
  • Potential exploration of additional sockeye DNA sampling within select fisheries, with First Nations
  • Continue to manage Sakinaw SK as a stock of concern in an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan
• List
  • Potential exploration of additional sockeye DNA sampling within select fisheries, with First Nations
  • No Sakinaw SK-directed fisheries exist; measures below refer to fisheries that may intercept Sakinaw SK
  • The following fisheries would require fishing licences that act as SARA permits to continue (SARA S.74; subject to pre-conditions):
    • Relevant FSC, Treaty Domestic Use, and recreational fisheries
    • Commercial mixed-stock sockeye fisheries in Johnstone Strait (seine, gillnet, and troll fisheries in Pacific Management Fishery Areas 12 and 13)
    • Commercial special use herring fishery in the Strait of Georgia
  • Relevant test fisheries will require fishing licences that act as SARA permits (S.73 or 74) to continue (subject pre-conditions), or they may be exempted from the SARA general prohibitions if included in the recovery strategy (S.84[4])
  • The fisheries management approach would be reflected in the SARA recovery strategy