Environmental policy statement for Fisheries and Oceans Canada operations and assets

To deliver programs that support economically prosperous maritime sectors and fisheries, sustainable aquatic ecosystems, safe and secure waters, and integrated business management, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard conduct a broad range of operations that can potentially impact the environment.  To minimize any negative impact, the Department has committed to implement and maintain the following sound environmental management practices:

• complying with federal laws and conforming, where applicable, to international, provincial, territorial and municipal laws, codes and standards
• respecting federal and departmental environmental directives and policies
• taking environmental factors into account in all decision making
• preventing pollution from departmental operations and encouraging best practices
• establishing environmental priorities and objectives through the business planning process
• continually improving the environmental management of its operations and assets
• promoting the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Canadian Coast Guard managers at all levels shall ensure that the requirements outlined in this policy are communicated, well understood and implemented throughout their organizations.  The active involvement of all teams and personnel supporting the Fisheries and Oceans and Coast Guard missions will help to ensure that we meet our environmental management goals.