Conservation Authorities’ Federal
Fisheries Act Partnership

The Federal Fisheries Act provides for the protection of fish habitat. Under the Fisheries Act, no one may carry out any work or undertaking that results in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat unless it has been authorized by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Conservation Authorities (CAs) may have individual agreements with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to review proposed work for its potential harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat pursuant to Section 35 of the federal Fisheries Act. Depending on the level of agreement in place, CAs may conduct the initial review of a project to identify any impacts to fish and fish habitat, determine how the proponent can mitigate any potential impacts to fish and fish habitat, issue letters of advice or work with the proponent and DFO to prepare a fish habitat compensation plan. CAs do not possess the authority to grant an authorization for a HADD of fish habitat. Applications requiring an authorization for a HADD are referred to DFO by the CA for final approval.