Departmental Plan 2017-18

Supporting information on lower-level programs

Sub-program 1.1.1 – Commercial Fisheries

Description

The Commercial Fisheries program is managed in partnership with its stakeholders. It relies on scientific assessments and is dependent on consultative processes to develop and review policies, procedures and regulations and to ensure that the fisheries governance regime is accountable, predictable and transparent. In collaboration with its stakeholders, the program develops and uses management tools such as licences, quotas, trap limits, escapements and bycatch.

Sub-program 1.1.2 – Recreational Fisheries

Description

Recreational fishing is an important contributor to many local Canadian economies. The Recreational Fisheries program focuses on partnerships, citizen-engagement and community stewardship, and promotes public awareness of conservation and sustainable use of the fisheries resource. It also ensures that all stakeholders are engaged in the decision making process and that allocation decisions made in the Integrated Fisheries Management Plans reflect the interests of the recreational fishery.

Sub-program 1.2.1 – Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy

Description

The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is a contribution funding program that provides eligible Aboriginal groups with transfer payments via Comprehensive Fisheries Agreements and Project Funding Agreements for the effective management of the food, social and ceremonial fisheries in a manner consistent with the 1990 Supreme Court of Canada's Sparrow decision. Fisheries Agreements often include communal fishing licences for food, social and ceremonial and commercial fishing issued under the Fisheries Act under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations. AFS also includes the Allocation Transfer program; which facilitates the voluntary retirement of commercial fishing licences and the issuance of communal licenses to eligible Aboriginal groups and includes providing funding for the purchase of equipment, such as vessels and gear necessary for Aboriginal groups to fish these licences. AFS applies where Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages the fishery and where land claims settlements have not already put in place a fisheries management framework. This sub-program provides a mechanism for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to address its obligations while promoting stable and orderly fisheries management for the benefit of all Canadians. Other broader objectives include providing Aboriginal groups with an opportunity to participate in the management of their fisheries; contributing to the economic self-sufficiency of Aboriginal communities; and providing a foundation for the development of treaties and self-government agreements. This sub-program uses funding from the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy Transfer Payment program.

Sub-program 1.2.2 – Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management

Description

The Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) sub-program is a contribution funding program that assists Aboriginal groups to develop their capacity to more effectively participate in aquatic resource-related activities and in Fisheries and Oceans Canada and multi-stakeholder processes used for aquatic resources and oceans management. The sub-program provides funding to qualifying Aboriginal groups to form aquatic resource and oceans management organizations at the aggregate level and builds technical and scientific capacity required to effectively participate in decision making and advisory processes. This sub-program increases the level of active Aboriginal participation in collaborative management of aquatic and ocean resources. Increased Aboriginal engagement in planning at the watershed or ecosystem level contributes to certainty, stability and predictability in fisheries management. Other objectives this sub-program achieves include encouraging the establishment of collaborative management structures and improving information-sharing among and between Aboriginal communities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and other stakeholders. This sub-program uses funding from the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Transfer Payment program.

Sub-program 1.2.3 – Strategies and Governance

Description

The Strategies and Governance sub-program is responsible for treaty and non-treaty fisheries negotiations and provides departmental policy development and advice on Aboriginal related fisheries issues, such as: aquatic resource allocation, fisheries and oceans governance, habitat protection provisions, oceans, etc. This sub-program also provides advice on modern treaty fisheries obligations implementation and the monitoring of such departmental obligations in those final agreements. This sub-program works closely with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to ensure fisheries elements of negotiated agreements advance sustainable aquatic ecosystems and support safe and secure Canadian waters while fostering economic prosperity across maritime sectors and fisheries. This sub-program uses funding from the Treaty Related Measures Transfer Payment program.

Sub-program 1.3.1 – Aquaculture Management

Description

The Aquaculture Management sub-program's objective is to enhance the Department's aquaculture management regime, using a range of regulations, policies, and public reporting to implement its regulatory mandate for the sector. In doing so, efforts are made to improve current regulations and policies as well as develop new ones, which are streamlined and coherent across federal and provincial/territorial regimes while ensuring protection of the aquatic environment. These activities are supported by public reporting on the management of the sector and its economic and environmental performance. Delivery of this sub-program is aligned with Canada's international obligations and ensures that domestic regulatory responsibilities are consistent with international commitments to sustainable aquaculture management. The Department, in partnership with other government departments, supports Aboriginal communities interested in aquaculture and helps them develop viable aquaculture business plans and establish businesses that bring long-term sustainable economic benefit to their communities.

Sub-program 1.3.2 – British Columbia Aquaculture Regulatory Program

Description

The objective of this sub-program is to effectively manage, administer and regulate aquaculture in British Columbia and govern the aquaculture industry activities, including finfish, shellfish and freshwater or land-based operations. The British Columbia Aquaculture Regulatory Program (BCARP) is implemented under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations under the Fisheries Act. Specific BCARP areas of responsibility include: site licensing, introductions and transfers licensing, conditions of licence, environmental and fish health management, compliance and enforcement, consultations and engagement, and public reporting. BCARP ultimately ensures that aquaculture activities in the province are sustainable.

Sub-program 1.3.3 – Sustainable Aquaculture Science Program

Description

The objectives of the Sustainable Aquaculture Science program are to provide a strong science base to underpin regulatory, policy, and program decision making, thereby increasing the stability and soundness of aquaculture-related decisions. Additionally, through collaborative research with the aquaculture industry, the Sustainable Aquaculture Science program helps to improve the sustainability of the industry, facilitate technology transfer and knowledge mobilization, and increase the scientific capacity of the Canadian aquaculture industry. Science for decision making contributes to transparency and public confidence. The key activities to achieve these objectives will include: (1) implementation of a formal scientific risk assessment framework and the provision of scientifically peer-reviewed risk assessments and associated advice for key aquaculture-environment interactions, including fish health; (2) conducting targeted regulatory research in areas such as fish pest and pathogen interactions, cumulative effects, ecosystem management and interactions with wild populations; (3) providing scientific advice on the development of national standards, the development and implementation of indicators and area-based options for addressing overlapping management considerations; and (4) conducting collaborative research to enhance environmental performance and to optimize cultured fish health.

Sub-program 1.4.1 – Salmonid Enhancement Operations

Description

Salmonid Enhancement Operations produce Pacific salmon at enhancement facilities, restore habitats, and undertake projects that include citizen participation in fisheries and watershed stewardship activities. Enhancement facilities include hatcheries and spawning channels producing salmon. Enhanced salmon enable economic, social and cultural harvest opportunities for commercial, recreational and First Nations harvesters, support vulnerable stock rebuilding and contribute to Canada's stock assessment commitments under the Pacific Salmon Treaty with the United States. Opportunities for citizen participation in fisheries and watershed stewardship, habitat restoration and salmon enhancement projects involve: the public, First Nations, as well as other government and corporate partners. Projects with community partners include stewardship activities and the development of integrated local and area watershed plans. Salmonid Enhancement Operations also support school education and public awareness projects.

Sub-program 1.4.2 – Salmonid Enhancement Contribution Programs

Description

Salmonid Enhancement Contribution Programs provide funding for community-based salmon and fish habitat projects. The Department has established contribution arrangements to support long-term collaboration with the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation. Contribution funding for these foundations is offset by the revenues generated from the Pacific Salmon Conservation stamp and the Commercial Conservation surcharge on Fisher Registration Cards. The Pacific Salmon Foundation uses the contribution funding received from the Department to support community-based salmon and fish habitat projects that conserve, restore and enhance Pacific salmon. The Pacific Salmon Foundation does this in partnership with communities, other governments, First Nation representatives and non-profit organizations. The T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation directly undertakes projects to protect and conserve fish and fish habitat. This program uses funding from the Contribution to the Pacific Salmon Foundation Transfer Payment program.

Sub-program 2.1.1 – National Fisheries Intelligence Service

Description

The National Fisheries Intelligence Service collects and analyzes all-source information and produces intelligence reports to facilitate knowledgeable and informed decision making. This program provides advice about aspects of operations to decision makers. As the Compliance and Enforcement program evolves to an intelligence-led organization, accurate intelligence gathering and an ability to establish priorities and action plans will control, reduce and mitigate threats and risks. Establishing an intelligence model as a core business practice within the Compliance and Enforcement program will shift its resources from crisis response to strategically focussing on areas of greatest risk and ensure maximum program effectiveness.

Sub-program 2.1.2 – Enforcement Operations

Description

Enforcement Operations comprises a variety of compliance and enforcement tools to detect and deter illegal activities. Education and Shared Stewardship promotes compliance, through education, promotional campaigns, and engagement of partners and stakeholders. Educational activities raise awareness and understanding and result in a more informed public and encourage resource users to comply with regulatory requirements. Fisheries monitoring and audit activities provide an oversight function to determine participants' compliance with legislation, regulations and management measures. The program uses land, water and air-based surveillance along with modern technology such as vessel monitoring systems, video monitoring and satellite surveillance to detect illegal activities. Major Cases and Special Investigations focus on solving high-risk, complex compliance issues that pose significant threat to the sustainability of Canada's aquatic resources and cannot be addressed through education or, regular monitoring, and control and surveillance activities. Special investigative techniques, including covert operations, technical surveillance, and information technology forensics are used in countering illegal fishing activities. The program is supported by third-party services (guardian, at-sea observer and dockside monitoring programs), and partnerships and joint operations with police and other enforcement agencies. The public assists by reporting violations through “Observe, Record, Report” programs. To deter illegal activities, enforcement interventions may include warnings, seizures, arrests, directions, orders, diversions, tickets, charges and prosecutions. This program meets domestic and international commitments to address illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing; and to protect habitat and species at risk, contributing to sustainable aquatic ecosystems, supporting legitimate economic activities, and protecting consumers from illegally harvested fisheries products.

Sub-program 2.1.3 – Program and Operational Readiness

Description

Program and Operational Readiness develops and supports a skilled, equipped, well-informed, safe and effective workforce. Strategic planning, integrated risk assessments, periodic reviews and audits are carried out to identify operational priorities and to ensure the right balance of tools and approaches are used to achieve the program objectives. Acquisition and management of equipment, vehicles, and vessels is necessary to ensure a well-equipped and effective workforce. Program and Operational Readiness ensures a well-trained workforce through the Fishery Officer Career Progression Programand the coordination of specialized enforcement and intelligence training throughout the Compliance and Enforcement program including annual recertification requirements of Fishery Officers as needed. It also ensures rigorous management of data as well as information collection and analysis through the development and maintenance of information management systems notably the Departmental Violation System. Finally, systems for collecting and analyzing information also supports strategic planning, priority setting and performance management of the Compliance and Enforcement program overall.

Sub-program 2.2.1 – Regulatory Reviews, Standards and Guideline

Description

As part of its core business, the Fisheries Protection program is responsible for the direct administration of the fisheries protection provisions of the Fisheries Act including the establishment of guidelines and regulations. It is also responsible for the administration of certain provisions of the Species at Risk Act, and has specific legislative responsibilities in relation to federal environmental assessment regimes including, among others, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and regimes in the territories and under land claims agreements. The program is responsible for meeting the duty to consult, and where appropriate, accommodate in relation to its authorizations and potential impacts on Aboriginal and Treaty rights. The program undertakes the review and authorization of proposed works, undertakings and activities (projects) that may affect fish and fish habitat. The program provides advice to proponents to enable them to avoid and mitigate the effects of projects on fish and fish habitat. When harm cannot be avoided, the program ensures compliance with the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act by issuing authorizations and permits when appropriate, with conditions for offsetting, monitoring, and reporting.

Sub-program 2.2.2 – Partnerships and Regulatory Arrangements

Description

Sustainability and ongoing productivity of commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fisheries is best achieved when partners and stakeholders with a common interest work together to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat. The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships program (RFCPP) forms a key component of the Fisheries Protection program. This contribution program encourages a partnership-based approach and provides funding to recreational fishing/angling and conservation groups undertaking fish habitat restoration activities, thereby supporting a common long-term goal of enhancing the sustainability and ongoing productivity of Canada’s recreational fisheries. With government, recreational fishing/angling groups, conservations groups and other partners working together toward common goals, tangible progress can be made. To help meet that potential, the RFCPP supports multi-partner projects at the local level enabling proponents to manage and execute projects that restore compromised and/or threatened recreational fisheries habitat.

Sub-program 2.2.3 – Aquatic Invasive Species

Description

The Aquatic Invasive Species program aims to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into Canadian waters, to manage selected existing populations of AIS and to provide fisheries managers with information and tools to address AIS. Activities performed by the program include: early detection, response, and management of AIS and the administration of the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. The program works with federal, provincial and territorial partners to coordinate AIS issues and to administer and enforce AIS legislation. The program also works with government authorities in Canada and the United States and with non-governmental organizations to manage the threat of AIS through ongoing scientific studies (e.g., research on pathways of invasion, methodologies to detect new invasions), risk assessments and control measures. Information related to AIS, their prevention and management is provided to Canadians.

Sub-program 3.1.1 – Search and Rescue Coordination and Response

Description

The Canadian Coast Guard's Search and Rescue Coordination and Response program ensures that people caught in on-water distress situations have access to assistance. The program coordinates and delivers on-water response to maritime search and rescue cases, assists the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces in response to aeronautical and humanitarian cases; provides search and rescue response capacity; and manages partnerships essential for the efficient coordination of activities. Through communication, coordination and delivery of maritime search and rescue response, the program increases the chances of rescue for people caught in dangerous on-water situations. The Fleet Operational Readiness and Marine Communications and Traffic Services programs are integral contributors to the delivery of this program. The legal basis for the program derives from the Constitution Act, 1867, the Oceans Act and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Sub-program 3.1.2 – Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary

Description

The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is organized into federally incorporated, not-for-profit volunteer corporations. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada maintains a formal contribution agreement with each Auxiliary corporation for related eligible costs. The corporations are separate legal entities from the Government of Canada and work closely with the Canadian Coast Guard. The majority of Auxiliary members are commercial fishers and pleasure boaters who donate their time and vessels to assist the Coast Guard with the Search and Rescue Services program. Other members are volunteers from local communities who crew community-based dedicated response vessels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Auxiliary has approximately 4,000 members and access to approximately 1,100 vessels. The local knowledge, maritime experience, seafaring talents, and professional conduct of the members make them one of Canada’s greatest maritime assets. Authority for this contribution program is by Cabinet Directive. This program uses funding from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Contribution Program and is delivered in coordination with Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue Services and Marine Communications and Traffic Services.

Sub-program 3.4.1 – Fleet Operational Capability

Description

The Canadian Coast Guard's Fleet Operational Capability program includes fleet operations, fleet management and the staffing of fleet personnel. The program ensures that certified professionals safely operate vessels, air cushion vehicles, helicopters, and small craft and are ready to respond to on-water and marine related needs. The Canadian Coast Guard College is an important contributor to this program. The program is guided by a number of international conventions and domestic marine-related regulations. For example, the Coast Guard Fleet's Safety and Security Management System is modeled after the International Ship Management Code (as ratified by Canada as a member of the United Nations' International Maritime Organization), the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, and the International Labour Code (applicable to Seafarers). The System design is also influenced by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships, the findings of Transportation Safety Board Marine Investigation Reports, the internal safety investigations, the occupational safety and health regulations, and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 regulations governing certification of seafarers, the inspection of vessels, the marine equipment requirements, and other operational regulatory aspects. The legal basis for this program is found in the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Oceans Act.

Sub-program 3.4.2 – Fleet Maintenance

Description

The Canadian Coast Guard's Fleet Maintenance sub-program ensures that Canadian Coast Guard's vessels, air cushioned vehicles, helicopters and small craft are available and reliable for the delivery of Canadian Coast Guard programs. The Fleet Maintenance program ensures the availability and reliability of these assets through life cycle investment planning, engineering, maintenance, and disposal services. The Canadian Coast Guard College is an important contributor to the delivery of this program in its provision of technical training. The sub-program is delivered in coordination with Public Services and Procurement Canada. Activities associated with Fleet Maintenance are guided by a number of international and national trade agreements, legal instruments such as the Financial Administration Act and Government Contract Regulations, as well as policies, directives, and guidelines provided by Treasury Board, Treasury Board Secretariat, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada. The legal basis for building fleet capability is found in the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Oceans Act.

Sub-program 3.4.3 – Fleet Procurement

Description

The Canadian Coast Guard's Fleet Procurement sub-program plans, manages, verifies, and accepts the design and construction of new large and small vessels, air cushioned vehicles, helicopters, and small craft to support the operational requirements identified in the Fleet Renewal Plan and the Integrated Investment Plan. The program provides project management support to ensure effective and efficient project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement. The program is coordinated with Public Services and Procurement Canada. Activities associated with fleet procurement are guided by a number of international and national trade agreements; legal instruments such as the Financial Administration Act and Government Contract Regulations; and policies, directives, and guidelines provided by Treasury Board, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Public Services and Procurement Canada. The legal basis for building fleet capability is found in the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Oceans Act.