OTTAWA, January 21, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today announced that 73 new species will be added to the list of species protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The decision to add these species to the list is the result of a thorough, transparent process which took into account scientific assessments, traditional Aboriginal knowledge, public consultations and public comment. "Whatever the cause, losing a species is tragic and irreversible," said Minister Dion. "Our hope is to see these 73 species, which include the Pacific Pond Turtle, the Blue Whale and the Ribbonsnake, recover to a point where they can thrive again. We must protect them, and it's a responsibility that we and our partners take very seriously." This is the first group of species added to Schedule 1, the list of species protected under SARA, since the Act was proclaimed in 2003. These additions bring the number of species that are protected under SARA to 306. Recovery strategies and action plans must be developed for all of the species listed as threatened or endangered, while management plans are required for species of special concern. The list of the 73 species being added can be found in the January 26, 2005 edition of the Canada Gazette, and on the SARA Registry website (www.sararegistry.gc.ca). The polar bear, the Northwestern population of grizzly bear and the Western population of wolverine will not be added to the list at this time, in order to provide an opportunity for Environment Canada to consult further with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board on concerns that they have raised. These consultations will be undertaken on an urgent basis and are expected to be concluded by the end of May. Cultus Lake and Sakinaw Lake sockeye salmon will also not be added to the list, in keeping with the advice of Minister Dion after consultation with the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. However, comprehensive recovery plans for these species will be completed and Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue to pursue its action plan to protect and rebuild the Cultus and Sakinaw Lake sockeye populations. The assessment of the speckled dace will be returned to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) for further information and consideration. Related Backgrounders: What the Government of Canada does to Protect Species at Risk Species at Risk Act Listing Process http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/listing_e.cfm List of Species at Risk http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/default_e.cfm To view other relevant background documents please visit the Species at Risk web site at: www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca or the SARA Public Registry site at: www.sararegistry.gc.ca - 30 - For further information: André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 953 8239 Sébastien Bois Media Relations Environment Canada (819) 953-4016 Brian Underhill Director of Communications Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada (613) 992-3474 Diane Lake Communications Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada (604) 666-0939
