Science Advisory Report 2019/046

Development and Evaluation of the Habitat Ecosystem Assessment Tool (HEAT)

Summary

• The Habitat Ecosystem Assessment Tool (HEAT) provides an accounting framework for assessing losses, gains, and modifications to habitat from development, offset, and restoration activities. HEAT is based on fish habitat suitabilities and can be used to predict the response of fish communities to development activities and mitigation options.
• HEAT is a mathematical model that assembles a series of tabular information in order to interpret impacts to fish based on an understanding of fish-habitat interactions. A model is a basic representation of our scientific understanding of system dynamics. HEAT links changes in habitat conditions or proposed management actions to habitat availability for fish. As such HEAT makes predictions about the relative state changes of the real system.
• HEAT provides an evidence-based assessment supported by quantitative analyses. The methods used for the quantitative analyses are supported by scientific evidence. Like all models and analyses there are uncertainties and assumptions associated with HEAT. The uncertainties and assumptions are explained in this document and some require further scientific work (e.g., sensitivity analyses). It is recommended that all the assumptions be clearly articulated and outlined in a guidance document. 
• HEAT is a tool for the Fisheries Protection Program (FPP) that is defensible, evidence-based and consistent with the principles of the Fisheries Productivity Investment Policy, particularly the principle to balance the benefits from offsetting measures with a project’s impacts as it provides a tool to quantify habitat losses and gains. 
• HEAT was developed through consideration of the program needs within FPP and the previous Habitat Management program, ongoing engagement between Science and FPP is recommended to address future needs and maintain the applicability of the tool.
• The tool is currently being used in the Great Lakes basin; guidance material should primarily focus on the current use of the tool. The current advice provides guidance on updates needed for the tool’s functionality in general.
• Applicability of HEAT could be expanded to apply in a broader context in terms of other regions, other ecosystems, other regulations related to changes in habitat, or other programs. However, further validation and review would be required prior to its use for these other purposes.

This Science Advisory Report is from the January 27-29, 2016 Habitat Ecosystem Assessment Tool (HEAT) Software Development and Evaluation. Additional publications from this meeting will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.

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