Proceedings 2021/005

Proceedings of the National Peer-Review for guidance on the identification of Critical Habitat in the riparian zone for freshwater species at risk; March 3-4, 2020

Co-chairpersons: Eva Enders & Justine Mannion

Editors: Karine Robert & Travis Durhack

Summary

The Government of Canada aims to ensure adequate protection of Critical Habitat for at risk freshwater fishes and mussels. One important component of the habitat that may need to be included as Critical Habitat are the riparian areas along the edges of waters where these at risk species are found. Riparian vegetation provides a number of significant benefits when naturally intact along the water’s edge, including maintaining natural levels of erosion, filtration of harmful substances and excessive nutrients from overland water, and more. In order to better identify the riparian zone that should be delineated as Critical Habitat in future species at risk Recovery Potential Assessments and Recovery Strategies, a guidance on the identification of riparian zones as Critical Habitat is required. As part of the peer-review process for this guidance, a meeting was held March 3–4, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario. The focus of the meeting was to provide Science Advice on the guidance provided in a Research Document entitled “Review of information to guide the identification of Critical Habitat in the riparian zone for listed freshwater fishes and mussels”. The discussion was guided by a presentation by the lead author of the Research Document and discussion lead by the co-chairs. This Proceedings is the record of meeting discussions, recommendations, and conclusions. A Science Advisory Report (SAR) and Research Document were produced following the conclusion of the meeting.

Proceedings 2021/005 (PDF, 416 KB)

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