Supplementary Information Tables
Horizontal Initiatives
Horizontal Initiatives: Whales
| Name of Horizontal Initiative | Initiative to Protect and Recover Endangered Whale Populations |
|---|---|
| Lead Department | Fisheries and Oceans Canada |
| Federal Partner Organization(s) | Transport Canada Environment and Climate Change Canada |
| Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative | May 31, 2018 (DM signed) |
| End date of the Horizontal Initiative | May 31, 2023 |
| Description of the Horizontal Initiative | Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW), Northern Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga (SLEB) 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 (SARA) Recovery Strategies for SRKW, NARW and SLEB 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 NARW; 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 submission 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 Letters from the Prime Minister to the Ministers of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment and Climate Change, and Transport 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 SRKW, NARW and SLEB 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 NARW from vessel collisions and fishing gear entanglement, expand the range and efficiency of entanglement response measures, and launch work to reduce contaminant threats to SRKW and SLEB; 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. Building Indigenous partnerships is an important part of the successful delivery of the Whales Initiative and aligns specifically with those Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Calls to Action which speak to economic development and employment/training opportunities. For example, particular focus will be placed on building partnerships with, and developing capacity within, Indigenous communities in order to respond to marine mammals in distress. Success in advancing the federal government’s commitment towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples will need to be assessed on a whole-of-government basis. Reallocations of Resources with DFO: The 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 SRKW, NARW and SLEB, an interdepartmental Assistant Deputy Minister-level oversight committee has been created with Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs) from the lead Departments responsible for the recovery of these species: DFO, TC and ECCC. The committee also provides representation from other relevant Departments as necessary e.g. Department representation from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. This ADM 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 ADM 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 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, including the Oceans Action Plan and Species at Risk Recovery Strategies for SRKW, NARW and SLEB. 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. |
| Horizontal Initiative Shared Outcome(s) | Address human-induced threats for SRKW, NARW and SLEB in support of the implementation of SARA Recovery Strategies and Action Plans for these species. |
| Performance Indicator(s) | Percent of SRKW, NARW and SLEB deaths attributable to confirmed human-induced threats in Canadian waters. |
| Target(s) | 50% reduction in the ratio of deaths attributable to confirmed human-induced threats in Canadian waters. Baseline to be identified for each species by 2020 using a ratio of deaths prior to 2018-19 attributable to confirmed human-induced threats in Canadian waters to the population size for SRKW, NARW and SLEB as the indicator. |
| Date to Achieve Target(s) | 2023 |
| Total Federal Funding Allocated from Start to End Date (dollars) | $194,915,584 |
| Total Federal Planned Spending to Date (dollars) | $194,915,584 |
| Total Federal Actual Spending to Date (dollars) | Not applicable |
| 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 | By 2019-20, an interdepartmental consultation between the Heads of Evaluation of DFO, TC and ECCC, led by DFO, will determine the need for, and approach of, an evaluation of the Whales Initiative. Determination of the timing and need for an evaluation of the Whales Initiative will be based on the needs, risks and priorities assessed through the annual departmental evaluation planning exercise and will be reflected in respective Departmental Evaluation Plans, as needed. |
| Planning Highlights |
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| Contact Information | Brett Gilchrist, 200 Kent Street, 13W071, 613-668-7430, brett.gilchrist@dfo-mpo.gc.ca |
Horizontal Initiative Overview by Theme
Theme A: Research and Monitoring
Theme Outcome(s): Knowledge to support implementation of SARA Recovery Strategies and Action Plans for SRKW, NARW and SLEB.
Theme Performance Indicator(s): Number of scientific documents produced to support implementation of SARA Recovery Strategies and Action Plans for SRKW, NARW and SLEB.
Theme Target(s): 50% increase for the period 2019-2023 as compared to 2013-2018. A baseline will be set in 2023
Date to Achieve Theme Target(s): 2023
| Department | Link to the Department’s Program Inventory | Horizontal Initiative Activity (Activities) | Total Federal Funding Allocated to each Horizontal Initiative Activity Since the Last Renewal* (dollars) |
2019–20 Planned Spending for each Horizontal Initiative Activity (dollars) |
2019–20 Horizontal Initiative Activity Expected Result(s) | 2019–20 Horizontal Initiative Activity Performance Indicator(s) | 2019–20 Horizontal Initiative Activity Target(s) | Date to Achieve Horizontal Initiative Activity Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) | P - 11 Fisheries Science | Determination of species presence, through space and time and research on key threats affecting SRKW, NARW and SLEB. | $40,199,000 | $8,433,000 | Scientific information on fisheries resources (SRKW, NARW and SLEB) is available to inform management decisions March 2020 (3 reports), March 2021 (4 reports), March 2022 (3 reports), March 2023 (4 reports) |
Percentage of scheduled fisheries science advisory processes (pertaining to SRKW, NARW and SLEB) that were completed | 90% | March 31, Annually |
| Number of hours surveying target whale species (SRKW, NARW and SLEB) | 525 survey hours dedicated to SRKW, NARW and SLEB annually | March 31, Annually | ||||||
| Number of peer-reviewed publications published on SRKW, NARW and SLEB | 50% increase in peer-reviewed publications per year on SRKW, NARW and SLEB as compared to 2013-2018 average | March 31, Annually | ||||||
| DFO Total: | $40,199,000 | $8,433,000 | ||||||
| Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) | Air Quality; Water Quality; Substances and Waste Management | Monitoring, tracking the use, releases and presence of substances of concern in the environment. | $11,220,000 | $2,497,000 | Information relating to whale exposure to contaminants is available - Data generated on the use, release, exposure and presence of contaminants of concern in media of concern (air, freshwater, landfill leachate and disposal at sea) | Number of data reports on results of monitoring for contaminants of concern in media of concern (air, freshwater, landfill leachate and disposal at sea) in whale habitat | Not applicable (First report provided one year after first sample taken) | March 2020 (3 reports), March 2021 (4 reports), March 2022 (3 reports), March 2023 (4 reports) |
| ECCC Total: | $11,220,000 | $2,497,000 | ||||||
| Transport Canada (TC) | M60 - Protecting Oceans and Waterways | Assessment of further measures to mitigate vessel impacts on endangered whales [SRKW, NARW and SLEB]. | $21,050,753 | $3,909,861 | Decision makers have access to a comprehensive and well understood suite of measures that address harmful impacts of vessel traffic on endangered whales (SRKW, NARW, and SLEB) | Complete local/regional assessments of targeted vessel management measures in support of NARW protection | Assess at least one measure to reduce the risk of vessel strikes per year starting in year 1 | March 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 |
| Percentage of newly identified underwater vessel noise mitigations assessed | Ensure 100% of underwater vessel noise mitigations identified through Assessment Plan are fully assessed | 2023 | ||||||
| TC Total: | $21,050,753 | $3,909,861 | ||||||
| Theme Total: | $72,469,753 | $14,839,861 |
* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.
Theme B: Management Measures
Theme Outcome(s): Management measures in support of the SARA Recovery Strategies for SRKW,NARW and SLEB.
Theme Performance Indicator(s): % of management measures implemented to address actions under the SARA Recovery Strategies for SRKW, NARW and SLEB.
Theme Target(s): 100% of approved management measures in support of the recovery of SRKW, NARW and SLEB
Date to Achieve Theme Target(s): 2023
| Department | Link to the Department’s Program Inventory | Horizontal Initiative Activity (Activities) | Total Federal Funding Allocated to each Horizontal Initiative Activity Since the Last Renewal* (dollars) |
2019–20 Planned Spending for each Horizontal Initiative Activity (dollars) |
2019–20 Horizontal Initiative Activity Expected Result(s) | 2019–20 Horizontal Initiative Activity Performance Indicator(s) | 2019–20 Horizontal Initiative Activity Target(s) | Date to Achieve Horizontal Initiative Activity Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) | P1 – Fisheries Management | Develop strategies to reduce harmful whale interactions, including supporting industry proposals for trials of new fishing gear / technologies to minimize conflicts and developing protocols to support in-season fisheries closures / openings Implement a training program to certify and properly equip third party regional responders, including Indigenous communities, to respond to marine mammal incidents, including whale entanglements |
$31,281,207 | $6,572,727 | SRKW, NARW and SLEB are sustainably managed | Percentage of assessed fisheries mitigation measures implemented to protect SRKW, NARW and SLEB | Implement 100% of mandatory/voluntary measures for fisheries mitigation measures and any additional measures assessed and approved | 2023 |
| Number of trained, certified and properly equipped regional responders contracted, including Indigenous partners | All regions will have contracted response teams who have received safety training and have access to the appropriate equipment needed to safely respond to marine mammal incidents | 2019 | ||||||
| P7 – Conservation and Protection | Promote and verify compliance with and enforce harassment and disturbance prohibitions in legislation | $11,381,992 | $2,085,270 | Fisheries, oceans and other aquatic ecosystems are protected from unlawful exploitation and interference | Number of hours spent by Conservation and Protection promoting and verifying compliance and enforcing harassment and disturbance prohibitions | 6000 hours spent on promoting and verifying compliance and enforcing harassment and disturbance prohibitions | Annual | |
| P16 – Oceans Management | Marine spatial planning in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Management Area to reduce threats to NARW and other endangered whales | $8,110,125 | $1,829,489 | Ocean regulators and users work collaboratively to support ocean conservation and management activities | Rating of level of effectiveness of collaborative governance structures | Rating of 3 or above (by 2022-23) | 2023 | |
| DFO Total: | $50,773,324 | $10,487,486 | ||||||
| Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) | Compliance Promotion and Enforcement – Pollution | Intelligence collection and analysis to identify intervention opportunities and targets of higher-risk of non-compliance for contaminants of concern | $1,613,149 | $349,104 | Identification of high-risk enforcement targets for contaminants of concern in the three identified habitats | Number of Operational Intelligence Assessments conducted to identify intervention opportunities and targets of higher-risk of non-compliance for contaminants of concern in each whale habitat | Two (an Operational Intelligence Assessment is completed for each of 2 whale habitats (SRKW, SLEB) by 2020 and, where appropriate, actions on identified targets are initiated) | 2020 |
| Substances and Waste Management | Management measures to reduce threats from contaminants of concern | $4,395,059 | $1,052,500 | Implemented risk management (RM) measures are effective in reducing identified risks from contaminants of concern | Percentage of key contaminants for which an evaluation of RM effectiveness is completed and identified control measures initiated as appropriate | 100% (of 10 key contaminants identified as concern for SRKW and SLEB) evaluated and as appropriate control measures are initiated | 2023 | |
| ECCC Total: | $6,008,208 | $1,401,604 | ||||||
| Transport Canada (TC) | M60 – Protecting Oceans and Waterways | Implementation of management measures to reduce the impacts of vessel noise and vessel strikes on endangered whales (SRKW, NARW and SLEB) | $63,750,247 | $10,346,986 | Percentage of assessed mitigation measures implemented to protect endangered SRKW, NARW and SLEB | Notes: Specific compliance rate targets will be set as part of a policy statement and reported against as part of any voluntary measures implemented Specific compliance rate targets will be set as part of the compliance and enforcement plan for any future regulations. These will be included as appropriate in TB materials for approval of new regulations |
By 2023, implement 100% of mandatory / voluntary measures for Noise Management Plans, slowdowns and any additional measures assessed and approved for implementation | 2023 |
| $4,027,762 | Increased monitoring for presence of endangered whales in areas of high vessel traffic | Percentage of actual NASP flights conducted over planned flights in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to detect NARW | On an annual basis, ensure 100% of NARW monitoring flights occur as identified through NARW Surveillance Plan except those missed due to weather | 2023 | ||||
| TC Total: | $63,750,247 | $14,374,748 | ||||||
| Theme Total: | $120,531,779 | $26,263,838 |
* This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.
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