Supplementary information tables

Horizontal Initiatives

• A Framework for Canadian Leadership on International Oceans in Support of Our G7 Presidency
• Initiative to Protect and Recover Endangered Whale Populations
• Funding to Implement Emergency Protection to Support the Survival and Recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whale
• Funding to Implement Canada’s New Marine Conservation Targets

A Framework for Canadian Leadership on International Oceans in Support of Our G7 Presidency

Lead department

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Federal partner departments

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); Global Affairs Canada (GAC)

Start date

2019-20

End date

2022-23

Description

The horizontal initiative is a suite of concrete internationally focused activities and commitments that will allow Canada to demonstrate international leadership on oceans, in particular to support the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. Through the initiatives, Canada will take actions to address the key stressors and risks facing the oceans. This will be done through effective and innovative solutions, collaborative partnerships with the private sector, international organizations, and civil society to identify and assess policy gaps, needs and best practices, and leadership and empowerment of women and youth as agents of change. Oceans play a critical role in regulating the global climate system, and are integral to the health and well-being of millions of people, however the oceans, and the communities that depend on them, face significant stressors that threaten their well-being. For example, forty % of the world’s population live in coastal areas and approximately 10 million people experience coastal flooding due to storm surges and cyclones each year. It is expected that up to 50 million people may be at risk by 2080. Further, the World Bank estimates the loss in annual consumption from the impact of natural disasters at $520 billion, which forces 26 million people into poverty each year. Greater attention and investment in building the resilience of vulnerable coasts and communities is a vital part of ocean health and in meeting the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

The initiative responds to certain ongoing challenges affecting the health of the world’s oceans and seas and aligns with the commitments of G7 Leaders, outlined in the Charlevoix Blueprint, for collaborative and collective action to address challenges to healthy oceans, seas and resilient communities. As set out in the Charlevoix G7 Summit Communique and Charlevoix Blueprint, ocean warming, acidification and sea-level rise, together with extreme weather events, are increasing the vulnerability of ocean ecosystems and threatening many global communities, while simultaneously reducing their resiliency. Other identified challenges include illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and overexploitation of fish stocks which threaten entire species and food security, ocean and ecosystem health, and marine pollution, including from plastic litter, which is compounding the threats facing already degraded marine ecosystems. Combined, these factors are negatively impact the overall health and sustainability of oceans and ecosystems, jeopardizing food security, and endangering for low-lying coastal states and Arctic communities. Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are among the most vulnerable to the challenges facing the world’s oceans due to their reliance on them for survival.

Through collaboration and collective action to address challenges to healthy oceans, seas and resilient communities, the initiative activities will seek to support a healthy ocean which sustainably delivers a range of benefits to people now and in the future. GAC will deliver activities internationally to support climate risk insurance, renewable energy in SIDS, and national adaptation plans for climate change. DFO will deliver activities to support healthy and productive oceans in the Arctic and global ocean ecosystems, in particular in support of developing countries. DFO and GAC will work together to deliver activities to support sustainable fisheries in developing countries. GAC and ECCC will co-deliver activities aimed at tackling marine litter by working with key international partners in order to, develop and implement on-the-ground solutions in developing countries, identify and assess policy gaps, needs and best practices, and advance women’s economic empowerment.

Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and is a key priority for the Government of Canada and a guiding principle of the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. This Horizontal Initiative will purposefully apply Canada’s Gender-based Analysis framework and Feminist International Assistance Policy to ensure that the projects and programs funded involve activities that empower women and girls to be equal agents of change in ameliorating the health of the world’s oceans and seas. The degree to which this is ultimately achieved will be evaluated.

Governance structures

The implementation of the International Oceans Framework requires a coordinated approach, given that responsibilities for specific areas and measures fall within the purview of three federal departments – DFO, ECCC and GAC. By working together, DFO, ECCC and GAC will collectively advance the Government of Canada’s core responsibilities in the areas of:

1. fisheries and aquatic ecosystems
2. taking action on clean growth and climate change, as well as preventing and managing pollution
3. development, peace and security through multilateral international assistance

In order to successfully deliver the initiatives outlined in this initiative, the departments commit to working with other national governments, the private sector, multilateral organizations and non-governmental organizations. To ensure a whole-of-government approach, advancement of G7 and other international commitments, and consistent and complementary application with other related initiatives, in particular the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas, and Resilient Coasts and Communities, the Ocean Plastics Charter, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the assistant deputy minister-level Interdepartmental Committee on Oceans (ICO), will be used as the venue for representatives from DFO, ECCC and GAC to provide oversight of the Framework initiatives. The committee currently includes these Departments as well as Transport Canada, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, Natural Resources Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, the Parks Canada Agency, and the Department of National Defence.

The ICO will enable a whole-of-government approach in implementing the Framework, including maintaining strong oversight, providing strategic direction, and facilitating coordination amongst departments. The Committee will facilitate alignment of the Framework initiatives with other federal priorities where possible, such as reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, a focus on the poorest and most vulnerable, in particular women and girls, Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and Canada’s United Nations Security Council Campaign. Relevant members of the Committee (i.e., DFO, ECCC, and GAC) will also systematically review information provided for measuring, monitoring and assessing the progress of specific initiatives; including evaluation(s) of the Plan and/or specific initiatives. The Directeur General Committee will serve as the venue for oversight of the delivery of the Framework and related G7 commitments by DFO, ECCC, and Global Affairs Canada, which will report to and take guidance from the existing Assistant Deputy Minister Committee, to ensure whole of government coordination and alignment with government priorities at the most senior level. The relevant members of the ICO will ensure that results are being managed with initiatives and that the collection of activities support Canada’s G7 priorities and commitments. If and when escalation is required as determined by the ICO, ad hoc meetings of Deputy Ministers will be convened. ICO meetings will include a dedicated International Oceans Framework agenda item on a bi-annual basis for relevant committee members to discuss Framework initiatives, with the option for additional meetings as necessary.

The ICO will also enable horizontal reporting by DFO, ECCC, and GAC on plan progress and results to ministers and Canadians, and linking initiatives and progress to related global and Government-wide initiatives, including Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan and G7 commitments such as, the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas, and Resilient Coasts and Communities, and the Ocean Plastics Charter. In addition to Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, reporting on achievements of the plan will be shared with the public at key intervals, highlighting progress on Canada’s G7 commitments.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars)

$329,382,156

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

$212,400,990

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

$218,897,240

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative

Not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars)

Not applicable

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars)

Not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

Not applicable

Performance highlights

DFO

Work is ongoing to support Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA leadership in advancing conservation priorities in the Pikialasorsuaq and Sarvarjuaq (Canadian portion of Pikialasorsuaq). Work for Sarvarjuaq includes designation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) by Ministerial Order by March 2025 within Canada's exclusive economic zone and linking to ongoing discussions and commitments for the international collaboration with Greenland and Denmark for shared priorities in international waters. Contribution Agreements with QIA to support their leadership in both the international and domestic priorities for Pikialasorsuaq / Sarvarjuaq have been secured through multiyear agreements. An Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Sarvarjuaq and other domestic conservation initiatives are being negotiated through DFO and the Government of Canada with QIA.

GAC

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to have an impact on much of GAC's programming. For instance, both international travel as well as travelling within targeted countries was severely curtailed, affecting virtually all activities.

National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network project provided direct technical assistance to 14 countries, including longer-term programs in three countries (Republic of Marshall Islands, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal) and short-term support in 11 countries (Central African Republic, Chad, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Haiti, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Tonga). All of these countries show evidence of increased effectiveness and/or gender-responsiveness in their NAP processes, as described below. In addition, the project has provided ‘light-touch’ support to Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.

The Kiwa Initiative approved 6 small local Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects focused on coastal protection, mangrove and coral reef restoration, marine ecosystem restoration and management in 4 countries (Fiji, Palau, Vanuatu, Timor Leste), and 2 large-scale/regional NbS projects focused on ecosystem-based reef and mangrove restoration (Fiji, Samoa, and Timor-Leste); and community-based fisheries management (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau).

The marine litter mitigation projects generated new analytics and tools, set up multi-stakeholder partnerships and networks, and nurtured innovative enterprises while building gender-responsive decision-making and solutions for plastic waste reduction and the circular economy.

Contact information

Nathalie Wagner, Senior Program Officer, Marine Planning and Conservation, nathalie.wagner@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Shared outcomes:

Improved resilience of people, particularly women and girls, living in vulnerable coastal communities impacted by ocean and coastal environmental degradation

Performance information

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Initiative to Protect and Recover Endangered Whale Populations

Lead department

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Federal partner departments

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); Transport Canada (TC)

Start date

May 31, 2018

End date

May 31, 2023

Description

Southern Resident Killer Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga populations continue to be exposed to human activity threatening their survival and recovery. An integrated federal whales program, based on a robust evidence-base for decision making is critical to ensure protection measures are implemented. Key objectives identified within the Species at Risk Act (SARA) Recovery Strategies for Southern Resident Killer Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga include: the reduction of mortality, injury and disturbance resulting from vessel strikes, underwater noise, fishing gear interactions (entanglement and entrapment), threats to food sources and exposure to contaminants. Through a combination of outcomes, the Whales Initiative will support the SARA recovery goals for these endangered whale species. Specifically, this initiative will: help to ensure the long-term viability of resident killer whale populations by achieving and maintaining demographic conditions that preserve their reproductive potential, genetic variation, and cultural continuity; achieve an increasing trend in population abundance over three generations of North Atlantic Right Whale; and restore the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population to a level where its survival is no longer threatened by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The initiatives outlined in this horizontal initiative are categorized under two themes - Research and Monitoring; and Management, and will be delivered through a coordinated effort across Departments and Sectors.

In addition to implementing actions identified in Species at Risk Recovery Strategies and Action Plans, the Whales Initiative addresses Government of Canada priorities as outlined in: Mandate Letter’s from the Prime Minister to the Ministers of, Fisheries and Oceans, Environment and Climate Change, and Transportation Canada; as well as the 2017-18 Departmental Plans for Fisheries and Oceans, Environment and Climate Change, and Transport Canada.

The long-term objective of the Initiative is the improved health of the Southern Resident Killer Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga populations. In the near term, the Initiative will meet the Government’s TMX commitment, increase prey availability for Killer Whales through fisheries management measures (e.g. Chinook), expand the evidence-base for decision making, reduce the number of deaths of North Atlantic Right Whale from vessel collisions and fishing gear entanglement, expand the range and efficiency of entanglement response measures, and launch work to reduce contaminant threats to Southern Resident Killer Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga; however, it will not be sufficient to meet the requirements under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Delivery will occur through existing programs modified as per new legislative and regulatory measures recommended in the Initiative.

DFO has faced significant, perennial, financial pressures in the past. As such, and in accordance with Budget 2016, the department undertook a Comprehensive Review that assessed the adequacy of existing funding to sustain current service levels and proposed essential funding increases to allow baseline operations and maintenance to continue. The majority of costs associated with the Whales Initiative are supplementary to, and separate from, the department’s Comprehensive Review proposal. In order to deliver on the whale protection and recovery measures outlined in Budget 2018, DFOs funding was approved on the condition that the department review existing funded programming and develop a strategy for financial reallocation that will not create integrity issues. As a result, there could be implications for the results and delivery of existing departmental programs.

Governance structures

The implementation of the Whales Initiative requires a coordinated approach, given that responsibilities for specific areas and measures fall within the purview of multiple federal departments as well as non-governmental stakeholders. To ensure a whole-of-government approach, and consistent and complementary application with other related initiatives, in particular the Oceans Action Plan and Species at Risk Recovery Strategies for Southern Resident Killer Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga, an interdepartmental Assistant Deputy Minister-level oversight committee has been created with Assistant Deputy Ministers from the lead Department’s responsible for the recovery of these species: DFO, TC and ECCC. The committee also provides representation from other relevant Departments as necessary e.g. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. This committee has been created to ensure a whole-of-government approach in implementing the Plan, including maintaining strong oversight, providing strategic direction, and facilitating coordination amongst departments and alignment with other federal priorities, such as reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and energy development. It will also systematically review the implementation dashboard developed for measuring, monitoring and assessing the progress of specific initiatives; including evaluation(s) of the Plan and/or specific initiatives. While this committee will lead oversight of the delivery of the Whales Initiative, it will report to and take guidance from the existing OPP Deputy Ministers Committee, to ensure whole of government coordination and alignment with government priorities at the most senior level.

The interdepartmental committee of assistant deputy ministers will also be responsible for horizontal reporting on Plan progress and results to Ministers and Canadians, and linking initiatives and progress to related Government-wide initiatives, including the Oceans Action Plan and Species at Risk Recovery Strategies for Southern Resident Killer Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. In addition to Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, reporting on achievements of the Plan will be shared with the public at key intervals, highlighting results and benefits for Canadians.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars)

$193,051,285

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

$156,594,402

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

$143,552,749

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative

Not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars)

Not applicable

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars)

Not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

An evaluation was completed in 2022-23.

Performance highlights

Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to:

• Implement, monitor compliance and enforce area-based fishing closures for commercial and recreational salmon fishing in support of Southern Resident Killer Whale prey availability. Fishing closures were implemented in Swiftsure Bank from July 15 to October 31, 2022; Strait of Juan de Fuca from August 1 to October 31, 2022; mouth of the Fraser from August 1 to September 1, 2022; and southern Gulf Islands from May 27 to October 31, 2022 (implemented based on fisher confirmed presence of Southern Resident Killer Whale).
• Inspect for compliance of approach distance, Speed Restricted Zones, Interim Sanctuary Zones, and the Commercial Whale Watching Authorization under Transport Canada’s Interim Order in support of reducing physical and acoustic disturbance to Southern Resident Killer Whale.
• Verify compliance and enforce the Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR) in critical habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whale to support population recovery.
• Implement education and outreach efforts in support of Southern Resident Killer Whale management measures.
• Conduct at-sea and aerial patrols in the critical habitat of the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga to enforce Species at Risk Act (SARA) and the Marine Mammal Regulations, sensibilization campaigns, patrols to protect the fish habitat in support of St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga prey availability and for prohibited fishing gear.
• Support the implementation of the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga action plan based on the direct threats.
• Implement area-based fishing closures in support of North Atlantic Right Whale, including the application of the Dynamic Closure Protocol for all non-tended, fixed gear fisheries, including lobster and crab, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Bay of Fundy and Roseway Basin Critical Habitat from the start of the snow crab fishery (April 2023) until November 15, 2023.
• Apply the Season-Long Closure Protocol when a North Atlantic Right Whale is detected in an area already closed under the Dynamic Closure Protocol within the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Shallow Water Protocol for NARW detected in waters shallower than 20 fathoms, and vessel, aerial and acoustic underwater technology for the detection of North Atlantic Right Whale to support management decisions.
• Mandate the reporting of lost fishing gear; gear marking colour scheme for all non-tended fixed gear fisheries, including lobster and crab, in all of Eastern Canada, continued trials of on-demand gear, weak rope or weak breaking points in fishing gear to reduce entanglement injury and mortalities,
• Enforce and verify compliance with the disturbance provisions of the MMR and the harassment provisions under the SARA.
• Help inform North Atlantic Right Whale management measures aimed at reducing the threat of fishing gear entanglements (particularly those associated with the snow crab fishery) and vessel strikes.
• Collect information on North Atlantic Right Whale presence in Canadian waters using both aerial surveillance and acoustic monitoring technologies.
• Conduct ~1500hrs of aerial surveillance from mid-April to the fall (weather dependent) and deploy eight (Viking) buoys equipped with acoustic monitoring technologies for the NARW in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Test new technologies including an underwater acoustic glider program and a new technology called the Whale Binaural Rings off the eastern tip of the Gaspé which will provide acoustic coverage for ~100km2, including a portion of the North Atlantic Right Whale feeding grounds in Shediac Valley. Both technologies were operational in fall 2022.
• Advance Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) governance and planning elements process in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence in collaboration with other federal departments, provinces, territories, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders.
• Prioritize and collect data to advance MSP.
• Multi-year contribution agreements to support capacity building in introducing MSP concepts with various Indigenous Groups
• Provide resources towards geographical information systems and mapping in support of decision-making for the implementation of North Atlantic Right Whale management measures.

Transport Canada continues to implement vessel traffic management measures to aid in the protection and recovery of North Atlantic Right Whale (April 20, 2022 to November 15, 2022) and Southern Resident Killer Whale (June 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022). These measures included:

For Southern Resident Killer Whale:

• Consistent with 2021, vessels may not approach any killer whale within 400m in all southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet.
• Two new Seasonal Slowdown Areas:
  • Existing Interim Sanctuary Zone extended to become Seasonal Slowdown Area in PFMA 121-1
  • Second located between Carmanah Point & Latitude 125

For North Atlantic Right Whale:

• Restricted Area (RA) offered additional protection to the large summer gathering of NARWs in and near the Shediac Valley in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• The National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) monitored the shipping lanes north and south of Anticosti Island, visual monitoring was provided by the department’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, underwater gliders listened for whales in the shipping lanes and in Cabot Strait; in addition, a new land-based infrared camera was tested to determine its effectiveness in contributing to the Government’s surveillance efforts.
• A third and final year for the trial voluntary speed limit of 10 knots in Cabot Strait.

In 2022-23, Environment and Climate Change Canada:

• Restricted Area (RA) offered additional protection to the large summer gathering of North Atlantic Right Whale in and near the Shediac Valley in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• The National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) monitored the shipping lanes north and south of Anticosti Island, visual monitoring was provided by the department’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, underwater gliders listened for whales in the shipping lanes and in Cabot Strait; in addition, a new land-based infrared camera was tested to determine its effectiveness in contributing to the Government’s surveillance efforts.
• Proposed regulations to strengthen controls for seven substances or groups of substances was published in May 2022 (Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations)

Contact information

Brett Gilchrist, 200 Kent Street, 613-668-7430, brett.gilchrist@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Shared outcomes:

Address human-induced threats for Southern Resident Killer Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga in support of the implementation of SARA Recovery Strategies and Action Plans for these species

Performance information

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Funding to Implement Emergency Protection to Support the Survival and Recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whale

Lead department

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Federal partner departments

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); Transport Canada (TC); Parks Canada (PC)

Start date

2019-20

End date

2023-24

Description

In May 2018, the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, as competent ministers under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) determined following completion of an Imminent Threat Assessment (ITA), that the Southern Resident Killer Whale population is facing imminent threat to their survival and recovery. A recommendation was made to the Governor in Council (GiC) to enact an emergency order for their protection. In consideration of ongoing threat mitigation and additional measures to be implemented, the GiC declined the making of the emergency order.

This Horizontal Initiative seeks the funding to implement additional measures to protect the Southern Resident Killer Whale from two of the three anthropogenic impacts that threaten their survival and recovery, namely prey availability, and physical and acoustic disturbance. Measures to address threats associated with the third threat of contaminants was provided through the Oceans Protection Program (OPP) and the Whales Initiative (WI). The outcome of this horizontal initiative, as an extension of the WI whose shared outcome is to “address human-induced threats for Southern Resident Killer Whale, NARW and SLEB in support of the implementation of SARA Recovery Strategies and Action Plans”, aims to reduce threats impacting the Southern Resident Killer Whale population in order to allow the population to achieve stability and growth, and to ultimately increase their chances for survival and recovery.

Addressing the threats facing Southern Resident Killer Whale requires actions by the Government of Canada across several Departments and multiple partners. The threats do not impact the population in isolation, rather they are cumulative and chronic and action on all fronts is needed simultaneously. Threats associated with prey availability requires action to enable Southern Resident Killer Whale to have access to their preferred prey, Chinook Salmon. Managing fisheries such that there is enough of this resource is available for the whales, and improving environmental conditions so that they can forage effectively (meaning they are protected from physical and acoustic disturbance that can interfere with successful feeding). Since they hunt and communicate using echolocation they require an environment where underwater noise (e.g., from shipping, whale watching, fishing activity, etc.) is not impeding these activities. Additionally, to ensure their health and reproductive success they need an environment and food source that is free of environmental contaminants.

Accordingly, the actions to be undertaken through this initiative will build on existing activities under the Whales Initiative aimed at protecting endangered whales, including Southern Resident Killer Whale. The incremental activities are designed to more rapidly and effectively address the imminent threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whale related to prey availability and disturbance and will take an adaptive management approach to those threats in order to halt population decline and support population growth. Existing resources and measures are in place regarding environmental contaminants.

Governance structures

To ensure a whole-of-government approach, and consistent and complementary application with other related initiatives for Southern Resident Killer Whale and other endangered whales, in particular the Oceans Action Plan and consistent with Species at Risk Recovery Strategies, an interdepartmental Assistant Deputy Minister-level oversight committee has been created with Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs) from the lead Department’s responsible for the recovery of these species: DFO, TC, PCA and ECCC. In addition, the Assistant Secretary, Economic Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat, will become an ex-officio member of the ADM-level oversight committee. The committee also provides representation from other relevant Departments as necessary e.g., Department representation from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. This ADM Committee will maintain strong oversight, provide strategic direction, and facilitate coordination amongst departments and alignment with other federal priorities, such as reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and energy development. It will also systematically review the implementation dashboard developed for measuring, monitoring and assessing the progress of specific initiatives. This ADM Committee will lead oversight of the delivery of the Whales Initiative including the incremental activities in this initiative. It will report to and take guidance from the existing OPP Deputy Ministers Committee to ensure whole of government coordination and alignment with government priorities at the most senior level.

The interdepartmental ADM Committee will also be responsible for horizontal reporting on plan progress and results to Ministers and Canadians, and linking initiatives and progress to related Government-wide initiatives. In addition to Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, reporting on achievements of the Plan will be shared with the public at key intervals, highlighting results and benefits for Canadians.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars)

$90,060,731

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

$73,899,550

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

$48,369,929

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative

Not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars)

Not applicable

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars)

Not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

An evaluation was completed in 2022-23

Performance highlights

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

One million additional juvenile Chinook salmon were successfully released from the Chillwack River Hatchery to increase Southern Resident Killer Whale prey abundance and mitigate the threat of insufficient prey for Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery.

Transport Canada

For the 2022 season, Transport Canada implemented a suite of management measures, under the Canada Shipping Act’s Interim Order, to assist in the protection and recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whale, including:

• 2 new Seasonal Slowdown Areas (SSA): Existing Interim Sanctuary Zones (ISZ) extended to become SSA in PFMA 121-1, Second located between Carmanah Point & Latitude 125
• Supported the 3 ECHO Program Voluntary Measures: 1 slowdown in Boundary Pass and Haro Strait, 1 slowdown at Swiftsure Bank, in both inbound and outbound lanes, and 1 lateral displacement in Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• Voluntary measures which included encouraging boaters to reduce their speed to less than 7 knots when within 1,000 metres of a killer whale; to turn off echo sounders and fish finders, when safe to do so; and to place engines in neutral idle if inadvertently within the approach distance to a killer whale.
• A 5% increase in Sustainable Whale Watching Agreements over 2021. 43 commercial whale watching companies, comprised of 146 vessels signed the SWWA agreeing to not come within 400m or follow Southern Resident Killer Whale; in addition to committing to not offer, plan or promote excursions focused on viewing Southern Resident Killer Whale.

Parks Canada

PC continued efforts related to law enforcement (e.g., on-water surveillance patrols), compliance promotion and outreach, science and monitoring (e.g., implementation of actions identified in PC Southern Resident Killer Whale Conservation Plans), and Indigenous engagement (e.g., Indigenous-led marine stewardship and conservation programs in and around PC places). In 2022-23, Parks Canada made just over 68,000 personal and non-personal contacts and 57,000 park visitors and contacts were exposed to information on species at risk. In addition, Parks Canada continues to engage with Indigenous partners and work to identify opportunities to enable Indigenous-led stewardship and conservation actions and/or collaboration. In 2022, Parks Canada in collaboration with Indigenous partners completed a salmon database and environmental DNA Salmon Project for streams within and adjacent to the West Coast Trail unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Park wardens patrolled and increased presence on the water, especially when whales were in the area, leading to significant increase in compliance. Park wardens continued to conduct partnership patrols with DFO and RCMP.

Contact information

Tanya Dunsmore, Senior Program Advisor, Tanya.Dunsmore@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Shared outcomes:

Address human-induced threats for Southern Resident Killer Whale in support of survival and recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whale population in Canada.

Performance information

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Funding to Implement Canada’s New Marine Conservation Targets

Lead department

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Federal partner departments

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); Transport Canada (TC); Parks Canada (PC); Natural Resource Canada (NRCan); Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

Start date

2021-22

End date

2025-26

Description

This initiative provides funding for DFO, PCA, ECCC, TC, NRCan, and CIRNAC through three pillars of activities that will support conserving 25 % of Canada’s oceans by 2025. In addition, DFO is seeking incremental resources to manage existing Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Together, the three pillars will advance new and existing MPAs and OECMs by building on the lessons learned and best practices gained through previous marine conservation efforts. Previous efforts have demonstrated that achieving marine conservation efforts within Canada requires a multi-pronged approach that is based on best available information and ensuring support and trust of partners and stakeholders. This horizontal initiative uses a whole-of-government approach that is based on capacity to implement the necessary activities to inform establishment and management of sites, enables the active participation of partners and stakeholders, and applies a balanced approach for advancing conservation by considering economic and societal objectives within the marine environment.

This initiative has been developed based on implicated departments’ experience with previous marine conservation initiatives, even though an evaluation of the 2016 marine conservation targets initiative has not been undertaken. This initiative uses a cooperative approach between departments where centrally coordinated policy direction is provided to support and advance collaborative responses to current and emerging oceans management issues, and to support the development of strengthened performance measurement tools, including enhanced outcomes, indicators and protocols.

Increasing Canada’s conservation efforts to 25 % by 2025 is highly ambitious. To establish new conservation areas and ensure that those that are contributing to the target are effectively conserving important species, habitats and ecosystems, departments must gain an understanding at site and bioregional levels of the ecological, social, economic and cultural importance of areas, while concurrently ensuring that the efforts have the support of governments, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders. To achieve these objectives in less than five years will require the activities under each of the three pillars be implemented in a complementary manner. Working towards the 2025 target by establishing new conserved areas while pursing MSP and collaborative partnerships will set a solid framework for the Government of Canada to achieve the 2025 target. Furthermore, this initiative contributes to other mandate priorities of the Government, such as the sustainability of fish stocks, the protection of whales, and climate change adaptation.

This initiative aligns with the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy. Consistent with the Strategy, departments will minimize the ecosystem impacts of marine activities, such as reducing impacts from noise due to vessel operations. This initiative is focused on the collaborative involvement of Indigenous peoples, marine users, and local communities. Departments commit to engaging and collaborating in a way that achieves common environmental goals and supports sustainability planning in local communities.

The activities outlined in this initiative ensure that Canada’s duty to consult and accommodate is met. Departments will engage and consult with Indigenous groups to establish new conservation areas and in the ongoing management of sites. Where sites are within territory under a Modern Treaty, activities within this initiative have been developed to ensure respect for Modern Treaty obligations. For new sites, potential Indigenous groups and Modern Treaty partners to be consulted have been identified. This initiative seeks resources to support Indigenous involvement in the establishment and management of sites, enabling self governance and stewardship of Indigenous territory. This initiative also aims to support the inclusion of Indigenous authorities at the table within MSP governance structures. Overall, this initiative has been developed in a manner that recognizes the Government of Canada’s duty to consult, respects Modern Treaty agreements, and seeks to emphasize reconciliation and facilitation of stewardship and economic opportunities for Indigenous groups.

Governance structures

DFO, PCA, and ECCC are responsible for achieving the new marine conservation targets by pursuing the activities outlined within this initiative. However, implementation of supporting activities by TC, NRCan, and CIRNAC are critical to DFO, PCA, and ECCC’s planning, establishment, management and outreach activities. Given the fact that this initiative tasks six different departments to work collaboratively to pursue shared outcomes, an Assistant Deputy Minister level governance committee will provide horizontal oversight to the initiative.

The Horizontal Initiative Oversight Committee for this initiative will be the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Marine Conservation Targets (MCT) Implementation Committee, a new sub-committee that will be formed under the auspices of the existing ADMs’ Interdepartmental Committee on Oceans. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will have a secretariat in place to support this committee. Meetings of the new ADM MCT Implementation Committee will be held quarterly and membership will include DFO, Parks Canada Agency (PCA), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Transport Canada (TC), and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). As lead for this committee, DFO will facilitate regular interactions with ADMs on issues of substance, such as national policy and/or program implementation challenges, and will monitor results of the initiative and propose course corrections as required.

The ADM MCT Implementation Committee will leverage expertise and best practices put in place by the long term work of the ADMs’ Interdepartmental Committee on Oceans, and will coordinate meeting agendas and secretariat services in order to reduce administrative burden of a new governance structure. The ADM MCT Implementation Committee will be supported by the existing Director Generals’ Federal Marine Protected Area Strategy Committee. This Committee’s mandate is to strengthen partnerships and increase collaboration between federal government departments that establish and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). All departments included in this initiative are members of the Committee, which meets on a quarterly basis to discuss policy and implementation issues across all member departments related to marine conservation and planning, with chair responsibilities shared between DFO and PCA.

Issues relevant to the implementation of this initiative will be discussed through the Director Generals’ Federal Marine Protected Area Strategy Committee, with recommendations, and outstanding issues to be sent to the ADM MCT Implementation Committee for discussion and review.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars)

$842,837,393

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

$187,241,151

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

$140,333,590

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative

Not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars)

Not applicable

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars)

Not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

An evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2025-26

Performance highlights

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Marine Conservation:

As of February 2023, 14.66% of Canada's marine and coastal areas were recognized as conserved. This includes 60 marine refuges, 14 Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and protected areas established by DFO, Parks Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and provincial governments. Canada is launching negotiations to establish four Indigenous-led Conservation initiatives located in Great Bear Sea (BC), Qikiqtani (NU), NWT and Omushkego (Ontario) through Project Finance for Permanence funding of up to $800 million as announced by the Prime Minister at UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15).

Work continues to advance to achieve the mandate commitment target to conserve 25 % of Canada’s oceans by 2025. For example, in February 2023, fifteen First Nations, DFO, and the Government of B.C. jointly announced the endorsement of the MPA Network Action Plan for the Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB). This Action Plan is a model of collaborative governance and provides a planned approach to the establishment of new MPAs in the NSB. It includes a proposed design for the network, and recommendations for potential designation tools, conservation objectives, and implementation timelines for the protection of future sites. DFO also announced fisheries closures and the establishment of a marine refuge, to help protect the ecologically and culturally significant area of Gwaxdlala / Nalaxdlala in Knight Inlet on the coast of British Columbia. Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement was signed between Government of Canada and First Nations for collaborative management of the proposed Tang.ɢwan - ḥačxwiqak - Tsig̱is MPA. This proposed MPA, once established, will protect a large, ecologically unique ocean area off the Pacific West Coast.

In December 2022, DFO published the Government of Canada’s Guidance for Recognizing Marine OECMs. The 2022 Guidance will apply to existing and future federal marine OECMs, including marine refuges.

In February 2023, Government of Canada provided further details on the scope of activities subject to its MPA Protection Standard. The protection standard, is based on recommendations from the National Advisory Panel on MPA Standards and applies to federal MPAs established since April 25, 2019, as well as existing MPAs, with some exceptions. The protection standard will help safeguard new federal MPAs from the potentially harmful effects of some industrial activities and will also provide greater consistency and clarity for industry on activities subject to the standard in federal MPAs. The MPA Protection Standard is founded on a whole-of-government approach and prohibits:

• oil and gas exploration, development and production
• mineral exploration and exploitation
• disposal of waste and other matter, dumping of fill, and deposit of deleterious drugs and pesticides
• mobile, bottom contact, trawl or dredge gear. Trap-based fisheries are excluded
• transport Canada will also be consulting with stakeholders on how to enhance restrictions on certain vessel discharges that occur within MPAs

Transport Canada

As work progresses on the establishment of MPAs and OECMs, TC will continue to work with lead departments on mitigations measures as required. TC remains on track to meet its obligations by December 2025, should other departments continue to move forward with their establishment processes.

Parks Canada

• With the support of partners, feasibility assessments for 7 proposed sites continued to advance.
• Pre-feasibility discussion and final site selection work for three additional sites was advanced (South Coast Fjords, south-Western Hudson Bay, and the Vancouver Island Shelf). Discussions to start pre-feasibility work for a site in southeastern Nova Scotia were also undertaken.
• Parks Canada has participated in early preparation meetings on marine spatial planning for the Western Arctic. The program work is expected to be launched in 2023-24.
• Parks Canada advanced the implementation of National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA) monitoring programs by refining indicators, and collecting and assessing data to determine the state of ecological sustainability at existing NMCAs, and by developing monitoring frameworks for newer NMCAs, including by completing community consultations at Tallurutiup Imanga NMCA.

Environment and Climate Change Canada

ECCC has been working to advance the conservation of 25% of Canada's oceans by 2025 and 30% by 2030 through advancing the establishment of marine National Wildlife Areas (NWA).

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) is working with the Council of Haida Nation to advance a potential marine NWA in the Northern Shelf Bioregion area, which is also part of the proposed Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative. CWS and DFO have jointly submitted a request to NRCan to undertake an assessment of hydrocarbon and mineral potential to inform socio-economic analyses and the application of the Federal Marine Protection Standard which prohibits oil and gas in new MPAs.

In Atlantic Canada, ECCC supported a series of workshops, facilitated by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), focused on planning a conservation strategy for the Inner Bay of Fundy. In addition, agreements are in place to support several First Nations engagement in the conservation strategy. Efforts are now turning towards the implementation of spatial conservation strategies which could include a marine NWA. ECCC has a contribution agreement in place with CPAWS to facilitate these workshops. ECCC has also issued a contract to complete a social, cultural, and economic profile to support feasibility analyses. At CWS’s request, NRCan is actively working on an assessment of hydrocarbon and mineral potential to inform socio-economic analyses and the application of the Federal Marine Protection Standard which prohibits oil and gas in new MPAs.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Engagement with Inuit partners increased, and a few marine conservation research, harvest and monitoring studies projects were initiated in the Eastern Arctic.

First engagements between DFO and Inuvialuit organizations took place in Summer 2022. Following this meeting, CIRNAC began engaging with organizations in the Western Arctic to develop workplans for this (and subsequent) fiscal years. One of these workplans were successfully funded.

Contact information

Christie Chute, 613-818-6578, Christie.Chute@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Kathy Graham, 613-990-4158, Kathy.Graham@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Shared outcomes:

1. Canada’s estuarine, marine, and coastal ecosystems and marine natural heritage are conserved and effectively managed
2. Crown-Indigenous partnerships and engagement are enhanced through a shared interest in marine conservation

Performance information

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.