Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral)

All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing

Develop a Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy that will include:

• analysis of current greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Department’s real property holdings;
• a series of measures to reduce emissions and their associated reduction in tonnes of CO2e and the percentage of total departmental emissions it represents;
• the opportunities, limitations, and cost associated with each measure;
• a list of climate change hazards of concern and anticipated impacts;
• a prioritized list of sites recommended for additional climate risk assessments; and,
• a proposed timeline to achieve carbon neutrality.

Replace old Marine Communications and Traffic Services and Aids to Navigation power generation equipment, with cleaner, low-carbon energy solutions.

Consider opportunities to implement building automation and commissioning for new construction or major renovation/ upgrade, during project proposal and planning phase.

Adopt updated National Energy Code for Buildings for new construction and major renovations projects as well as review programs, assets, facilities, and base building equipment to identify/ inventory sources of departmental real property greenhouse gas emissions and quantify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities.

Explore opportunities to achieve a high level of environmental performance for new construction, major renovations, and existing building projects, by using industry-recognized assessment and verification tools.

Explore clean energy infrastructure implementation opportunities for identified departmental sites, prioritizing by emissions, specifically aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling needs.

Performance indicator:
GHG emissions in [current reporting fiscal year]:

• Facilities = [X] ktCO2e
• Fleet = [X] ktCO2e
• Total = [X] ktCO2e

Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005-06 to [current reporting fiscal year]:

• Facilities = [X] percentage
• Fleet = [X] percentage
• Total = [X] percentage

Starting point:
GHG emissions in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year):

• Facilities = 34.8 ktCO2e
• Fleet = 9.6 ktCO2e
• Total = 44.4 ktCO2e

Supporting indicators:
Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy to be completed by March 31, 2021.

Performance indicator:
GHG emissions in 2021-22:

• Facilities = 22.3 ktCO2e
• Fleet = 6.5 ktCO2e
• Total = 28.8 ktCO2e

Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005-06 to 2021-22:

• Facilities = 35.9%
• Fleet = 32.9%
• Total = 35.3%

Supporting indicators:
The Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy (CNPS) was completed in March 2021. The CNPS was presented to national and regional staff in early April 2021 and posted to the DFO Intranet so that it is available to all DFO staff. A high level climate change resiliency assessment was also conducted for the 51 sites included in the CNPS. This assessment yielded a ranking of the 51 sites in terms of their resiliency to climate change.

Development of DFO’s Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy will provide DFO with a solid basis for investment decision-making and will lead to reductions in GHG emissions from building operations.

New power generation units burn less fuel and produce less emissions.

Building automation will minimize human error and enhance information datasets which will assist the Department to more efficiently manage building operations. Adopting updated National Energy Code for Buildings and building all new construction and major renovation projects to net-zero carbon, unless a lifecycle cost-benefit analysis indicates net-zero carbon ready construction, will ensure DFO achieves a high level of environmental performance within its custodial facilities.

A significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions are the result of heating and cooling needs of a building. A large reduction of these emissions will be offset utilizing clean energy infrastructure projects that have a reasonable return on investment and a longer project lifespan.

SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.1; 13.2; 13.3)

Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings

Pursue multiple initiatives to inform, and improve employee behaviour, such as:

• identify and assess building operator training. The current program of choice is delivered by Algonquin College; and,
• identify energy efficiency alternatives targeting inefficient DFO assets.

Develop Best Management Practices targeting employee behavioural changes to contribute towards a lower carbon footprint.

Performance indicator:
[Number] of clean energy projects implemented at DFO assets in [current reporting fiscal year].

[Number] training courses delivered in [current reporting fiscal year].

Performance indicator:
1 clean energy project was implemented at DFO assets in fiscal year 2021-22. A Biomass furnace was installed at the Canadian Coast Guard College.

Zero training courses were delivered in 2021-22. The Facility Management Professional (FMP) certification, offered by the International Facility Management Association, was piloted as a program to provide the necessary information to facility managers to manage their assets, increase efficiency, and minimize waste. The first of four courses was piloted April 2019, with three regional facility managers and a National Centre of Expertise representative. No further courses were completed for this certification, following the FMP certification update in January 2020. Other programs and courses continue to be reviewed to ensure the facility management community is provided with the most relevant and effective training to support the delivery of their functions.

Replacing ageing, non-efficient building systems will reduce the overall carbon footprint of an asset and improve its environmental performance, as well as deliver on cost savings which can be reinvested into the asset.

Identifying and implementing a program of building operator training will provide the necessary information to facility managers to manage their assets to increase efficiency and minimize waste.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics^{Footnote 1} to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced

Maintain or improve sustainable motor vehicle fleet management.

Review of operational requirements to ensure vehicle fleet is optimized for program and sustainability.

Installation of telematics modules in all on-road fleet vehicles to promote motor vehicle operator behavior changes.

Purchase or replace vehicles with reduced carbon intensity, where operationally feasible.

Utilize the Departmental Vehicle Acquisition Plan process to identify motor vehicles for replacement based on available telematics data analysis.

All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

Performance indicator:
[Number] vehicles in the Fleet on March 31, 2021.

Percentage of vehicles identified for replacement in [current reporting fiscal year].

Performance indicator:
1,549 vehicles in the Fleet on March 31, 2022.

19% of vehicles identified for replacement in 2021-2022.

GHG emissions will be reduced by:

• rationalization of fleets via retirement of older vehicles and replacing with vehicles that produce lower GHG emissions through improved emission control technology; or,
• replacing with hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or zero-emissions vehicles where operationally feasible.

Using telematics data to assist in identification of opportunities to replace higher emission vehicles with lower emission producing options such as hybrids or zero-emissions vehicles will reduce emissions.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

Other

Develop baselines for in-service Coast Guard vessel performance to compare advances in performance in GHG reduction and carbon redirection.

Baseline data will be reported through a future quantitative analysis.

One tool for conducting such analysis is ISO 19030 Ships and Marine technology — Measurement of changes in hull and propeller performance.

A pilot project to monitor emissions on a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) vessel has begun, and the installation of fuel and torque monitoring equipment continues.

CCG is collaborating on an Oceans Rivers and Coastal Engineering project to evaluate and ultimately develop new data products for the CCG fleet.

CCG continues to equip vessels with fuel monitoring tools and shaft torque transducers. To date, fuel monitoring systems have been installed on 6 of the 24 target vessels and 12 more installations are in progress. This equipment will be used to monitor a vessel’s emissions, fuel consumption, shaft torque and a number of secondary parameters (e.g., wind speed, water speed).

CCG has obtained a first IMO-approved portable diesel exhaust emissions analyzer for measuring stack emissions^{Footnote 2} and has begun its pilot project. 

Monitoring GHG emissions on CCG vessels can help to better inform decisions on the pathway to net-zero.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

Develop a supply arrangement for the provision of underwater hull cleaning services to the Canadian fleet.

The CCG is in the beginning stages of undertaking this work. A separate effort to develop a baseline on aspects of the fleet’s performance is described above.

A service arrangement for in water hull cleaning has been established with a first contractor. More service agreements are expected.

For several years, DFO and the Department of National Defence (DND) have been collecting samples of marine species on vessels (DND), on plates hanging on buoys along Canada’s coast lines (DFO), and at DND ports (DND).

CCG will be joining this effort to better understand the degree of fouling of its vessel hulls, and the degree to which it is a vector for the propagation of aquatic invasive species (AIS). 

Fouled hulls are not only a vector for the transmission of AIS, they result in significantly greater resistance of the movement through water. The result is increased fuel consumption leading to increased fuel cost and GHG emissions. Even lightly fouled hulls can result in losses of efficiency around four to eight per cent. More heavily fouled hulls can result in even greater losses of efficiency.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030

Other

Conduct waste audits to identify waste production of DFO assets.

Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022:

• Four sites are planned to have waste audits in fiscal year 2020-21.

Trial technologies that will remove contaminants from Coast Guard vessel water systems.

Performance indicator:

• Mass of non-hazardous operational waste generated in the year = [X] tonnes
• Mass of non-hazardous operational waste diverted in the year = [Y] tonnes

Percentage of non-hazardous operational waste diverted = [Y/X] percentage

Supporting Indicator:

• Number of completed waste audits = [Number]

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Weight of non-hazardous operational waste generated in the year = 19.152 tonnes
• Weight of non-hazardous operational waste diverted in the year = 2.49 tonnes

Percentage of non-hazardous operational waste diverted = 13%

Supporting Indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Number of completed waste audits = 1

Conducting waste audits will support the department to identify and improve non-hazardous operational waste diversion rates. This process will also provide additional benefits such as:

• establishing diversion rate baselines;
• reducing emissions from the production, transport and disposal of waste material;
• increasing diversion and reclamation of plastics and solid waste;
• reducing load capacity/ reliance on the local waste collection infrastructure; and,
• reducing financial costs associated with the overall operational footprint of priority DFO assets.

In 2021-22, DFO successfully delivered a non-hazardous solid waste audit on Sorel Base. The total diversion rate was 13% with the potential to improve up to 94% if identified recommendations are implemented by 2030.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4; 12.5)

Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030

Other

Conduct waste audits to identify waste production of DFO assets.

Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022.

Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings.

When procuring products that contain plastics, promote the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste.

Performance indicator:

• Mass of plastic waste generated in the year = [X] tonnes
• Mass of plastic waste diverted in the year = [Y] tonnes

Percentage of plastic waste diverted in [current reporting fiscal year] = [Y/X] percentage

Supporting Indicator:

• Number of completed waste audits = [Number]

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Weight of plastic waste generated in the year = 0.921 tonnes
• Weight of plastic waste diverted in the year = 0.301 tonnes

Percentage of plastic waste diverted in 2021-22 = 33.5%

Supporting Indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Number of completed waste audits = 1

Conducting ongoing waste audits will support the department in identifying the amount of plastic waste generated through site operations, and help to improve on plastics diversion rates where local capacity permits. This process will also provide additional benefits such as:

• establishing plastics diversion rate baselines;
• identifying regional capacity to process different grades of plastics;
• reducing emissions from the production, transport and disposal of plastics material;
• increasing diversion and reclamation of plastics to retain economic value and support a transition to a circular economy;
• reducing load capacity/ reliance on the local waste collection infrastructure; and,
• reducing overall financial costs associated with the operational footprint of priority DFO assets.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4; 12.5; 12.7)

Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030)

Other

Track and disclose waste diversion rates of construction and demolition waste by 2022.

Conduct waste audits in addition to implementing procedures to track on-going construction and demolition waste as part of overall project management.

Promote re-use and salvage opportunities regarding material such as steel at demolished infrastructure sites.

Identify and utilize local material reclamation programs.

Performance indicator:

• Weight of construction and demolition waste generated in the year = [X] tonnes
• Weight of construction and demolition waste diverted in the year = [Y] tonnes

Percentage of construction and renovation waste diverted = [Y/X] percentage

Supporting Indicator:

• Number of completed waste audits = [Number]

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Weight of construction and demolition waste generated in the year = 0 tonnes
• Weight of construction and demolition waste diverted in the year = 0 tonnes

Percentage of construction and renovation waste diverted = N/A

Supporting Indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Number of completed waste audits = 0

The current Federal Waste Reporting Guidance from the Centre for Greening Government specifies the scope of reporting to include Construction, Renovation and Demolition projects with a total value over $5 million, and in areas where commercial waste services are available.

DFO has not initiated any new projects over $5M since the implementation of the DSDS. However, DFO will work to include these specifications for future projects, with the understanding that funding might be required from various sources.

Conducting waste audits for DFO construction and demolition projects will support the Department to improve diversion rates of construction and demolition waste and provide additional benefits such as:

• identifying and quantifying waste production of multiple DFO assets;
• reducing emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material;
• increase diversion and reclamation of waste;
• reduce load/reliance on the local waste collection infrastructure; and,
• reduce overall operational footprint of DFO assets.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4; 12.5; 12.7)

Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030

Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced

The Departmental Vehicle Acquisition Plan (DVAP) will be used to determine the opportunities and number of administrative vehicles to be replaced to meet the 2030 target. Each year, an evaluation of requirements for new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases for hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or zero-emission vehicles will be performed under the DVAP.

All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

Use telematics data analysis to identify opportunities to optimize use of the vehicle fleet.

Performance indicator:

•  [Number] of hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or zero-emissions vehicles purchased.

Supporting Indicator:

•  [Number] of vehicles logged by telematics.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 21 hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or zero-emissions vehicles purchased.

Supporting Indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 882 vehicles logged by telematics.

As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetimes with zero-emission vehicles, and/ or the size of the fleet is reduced, a greater proportion of the fleet will be zero-emission vehicles and will GHG reduce emissions.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations

Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned

Collaboration among key stakeholders across the department to examine how to undertake the following departmental actions, with a focus on assets:

• understand the wide range of climate change impacts, risks and opportunities to DFO assets, services and operations;
• develop a departmental climate adaptation plan to identify measures to reduce climate change impacts;
• integrate the impacts of climate change in business continuity and departmental risk planning;
• conduct asset-level climate change risk assessments;
• consider current and future climate change conditions in policy, programs and operations; and,
• consider climate change impacts in investment planning.

Performance indicator:
Departmental action to understand the wide range of climate change impacts, risks and opportunities to DFO assets, services and operations, is underway by December 31, 2020.

Climate adaptation plan underway, establishing measures to reduce climate change impacts that could potentially affect DFO assets, services and operations, by December 31, 2021.

Supporting indicators:
Intradepartmental Climate Adaptation Working Group established by December 31, 2020.

Risk and business continuity plans have integrated considerations of climate change, by March 31, 2022.

Number (and percentage) of asset-based climate change risk assessments conducted on assets identified as critical to operations and services, by March 31, 2023.

Investment plans incorporate consideration of climate change adaptation measures, by March 31, 2023.

Performance indicator:
In fiscal year 2021-22, Small Craft Harbours (SCH) continued to use the internally developed Coastal Infrastructure Vulnerability Index (CIVI) tool, which is a national geodatabase encompassing a wide variety of information including sea-level rise projections, as well as other scientific, engineering, and socio-economic information.

The CIVI tool is being used to guide decision-makers, by enabling SCH to identify areas of vulnerability to climate change. In addition to the CIVI tool, the Canadian Extreme Water Level Adaptation Tool is also utilized during the design stage of infrastructure upgrade projects to improve protection and stabilization, and ensure enhanced resilience.

DFO is in the process of adopting the CIVI tool, with some modifications to reflect the diverse nature of DFO’s assets, to assess the sites in its portfolio. The tool will continue to be used by the Department to assess risks and vulnerabilities, which will be the basis for development of climate change adaptation measures.

An Intradepartmental Climate Adaptation Working Group was established by December 31, 2020, however since that time the working group has been separated into several smaller and more targeted working groups across the department to further efforts on identifying climate change risks, and developing measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations.

A total of 6 site-specific climate change vulnerability assessments were completed in FY 21-22. These assessments took place at: Basse Port Dover SAR; Prescott CCG Base; Parry Sound CCG Base; Amherstburg CCG Base; Yellowknife Wharf; and, the Quebec CCG Base

Climate change is a horizontal issue that cuts across regional and sectoral lines. A strong governance regime established through ongoing intradepartmental communication will facilitate and drive internal connections and linkages, which will be necessary to effectively respond to climate change issues. Understanding climate change impacts will fulfill diverse objectives, including:

• the identification and prioritization of risks to DFO assets, services and operations;
• identification of climate change adaptation opportunities;
• raising climate change awareness throughout the Department; and,
• supporting the monitoring and evaluation of adaptation risks and action.

A departmental climate adaptation plan will enable DFO to use its understanding of climate change vulnerabilities to better position itself to take the necessary steps, and make the appropriate resource allocation decisions, to ensure that negative impacts are minimized in the near-term, and that any longer-term opportunities can be realized.

Integrating climate change considerations into DFO’s corporate risk and business continuity planning will ensure that actions to remain resilient against climate change risks to critical assets, operations, and services remain a departmental priority and resolutions are established.

DFO maintains a considerable amount of infrastructure. This infrastructure may require significant capital investment for repairing/ modifying as environmental conditions change. Understanding potential climate change impacts and risks at an asset-level can help protect DFO assets and resources, strengthen planning and decision-making, and enhance the resiliency of departmental operations and services offered to Canadians. 

As a result of implementing greening perspective, DFO along with our regional partners, are delivering site-specific climate vulnerability studies. This approach was initially piloted through the Transportation Asset Risk Assessment (TARA) Program in partnership with TC. The lessons from the successful pilot, along with the Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy (CNPS), resiliency analysis, and the implementation of the CIVI tool, will ensure DFO builds a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of climate risks exposure and impact on the overall portfolio.

SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.1; 13.2)

By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council Canada

The integration of climate change adaptation in the design and construction of buildings and engineering asset projects will be reviewed and considered at each approval gate.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of buildings constructed in the reporting year that conform to National Research Council Canada’s climate-resilient building codes.

Performance indicator:

• The National Research Council Canada’s climate-resilient building codes were not available for use in FY 2021-22. DFO will implement the codes once the new guidance has been fully devolved and reviewed.

Beyond demonstrating federal leadership in climate resilient buildings, the integration of climate-resilient building codes will promote asset integrity considerations, assist in reducing the risks of climate change to the Department’s assets, services, and operations, and exhibit prudent stewardship of DFO’s real property portfolio.

SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.1; 13.2)

Use 100% clean electricity by 2025

Other

Produce or purchase megawatt hours of renewable energy equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid by 2025 in regions with carbon-emitting electricity generation, at a minimum. This includes the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site.

Build a data profile of DFO assets and their energy consumption, source of electricity, and GHG emission profile.

Identify critical DFO assets in need of electricity purchasing requirements due to the geographic distribution of the DFO portfolio.

Identify opportunities to expand the current portfolio of renewable energy producing assets at top DFO facilities.

Performance indicator:

• [Electricity consumption in [current reporting fiscal year] = [X] kWh
• Electricity consumption from non-emitting sources (including renewable energy certificates) in [current reporting fiscal year] = [Y] kWh

Percentage of clean electricity = [Y/X] percentage

Supporting indicators:
[Number] of renewable energy assets installed (e.g., solar flowers).

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Electricity consumption in 2021-22 = 68,275,486 kWh
• Electricity consumption from non-emitting sources (including renewable energy certificates) in 2021-22 = 52,343,527 kWh

Percentage of clean electricity = 77%

Supporting indicators:
0 renewable energy assets installed (e.g., solar flowers) in fiscal year 2021-22.

No renewable energy assets were planned to be installed in 2021-22. Moving forward, any project with a renewable energy component will be identified through project planning and implementation processes, and results will be tracked.

Purchasing or producing clean electricity can reduce the GHG emissions resulting from conventional provincial electricity grids, improve energy security, and demonstrate leadership.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.2; 12.7)

Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government

Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation

Explore potential opportunities with Public Services and Procurement Canada and examine impact on availability and costs (especially in remote locations) to minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation projects.

Performance indicator:
Processes are put in place to ensure consideration is given to minimize embodied carbon in future construction and major renovation projects by March 31, 2021.

Performance indicator:
DFO is actively working to minimize embodied carbon emissions in future construction and renovation projects. In 2021-22, DFO reviewed a series of planned projects for the potential to use low carbon concrete, in addition, DFO began the development of a Greening Government Strategy/Carbon Neutral Portfolio Strategy Guide and Checklist to be used (beginning in FY 2022-23) at the onset of real property projects to ensure opportunities to reduce embodied carbon are being considered.

Processes to ensure consideration is given to minimize embodied carbon in future construction and major renovation projects was delayed to ensure compliance with guidance established by TBS which was released after March 31, 2022. These processes will be in place by the end of 2022-23.

Beyond demonstrating federal leadership in green initiatives, this will promote environmental and possibly health and safety considerations and exhibit prudent stewardship of DFO’s real property portfolio.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

The potential use of alternative energy options in national safety and security-related fleet operations will be examined

Drive development of novel solutions for generating emissions-free energy through the operation of marine vessels.

Ensure that the future Coast Guard fleet meets the regulations under the amended International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Adopt hybrid propulsion systems where possible.

Study the feasibility of using dual fuel (diesel/ Liquefied Natural Gas) for program icebreakers and understand its impact on other classes of new vessels.

In the absence of validated quantitative data for the emissions level of the existing CCG fleet, qualitative improvements from past technologies will be provided.

CCG’s Kinetic Energy Harvesting for Marine Vessels Challenge proceeded through Phase 1 (Proof of Concept) after receiving 42 applications for funding to develop solutions that might help CCG and the broader maritime sector meet decarbonization-related operational requirements in the context of climate change action and the Greening Government Strategy. Four kinetic energy harvesting technology proofs-of-concept have been developed.

Fleet Procurement will incorporate green technologies into new vessel designs, wherever feasible, to reduce emissions and increase fleet sustainability. Growing evidence suggests that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)  – while technically feasible – would be of limited benefit to DFO/CCG given the limited emissions savings and significant infrastructure investments required to support it. DFO will continue to investigate the feasibility of planning for future fuel flexibility, given that hydrogen-based fuel solutions, if commercially adopted, would make significantly better contributions to the Greening Government targets.

While Fleet Procurement is expecting to use diesel on the early builds of the new large vessels, the new ship designs will include design margins that can accommodate the adoption of new technologies / fuels such as ammonia at the mid-life modernization stage.

CCG seeks to implement the International Maritime Organization strategy on reduction of GHG emissions for ships and the MARPOL regulations through a mix of technical, operational and innovative solutions applicable to the future fleet. This includes the adoption of proven technology applicable to CCG operations. 

In a collaborative study with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), the Fleet Foresight and Integration (FF&I) team is evaluating hybrid propulsion options for CCG fleet operations.

In an additional study with AECL and CNL, the FF&I team is evaluating zero-emission energy systems, as well as associated equipment and infrastructure to enable zero-emissions operations for CCG’s fleet.

Increased use of lower carbon alternative energy sources will reduce emissions relative to conventional sources.

CCG, in collaboration with Innovative Solutions Canada, challenged Canadian small and medium enterprises to propose novel solutions for generating electricity aboard marine vessels through harvesting kinetic energy. This challenge signals the Government of Canada’s progressive approach to decarbonizing marine vessel operation, and is explicitly intended to yield solutions that can be scaled across the entire maritime sector, generating Canadian intellectual property and jobs, while driving down GHG emissions.

The use of diesel electric and hybrid propulsion for new vessels will reduce the use of generators and emissions (unless it is not suitable for the operational profile of the vessel).

CCG will continue to look at alternate fuel (e.g., biofuel) and other synthetic fuels when they are commercially viable to further reduce emissions, and are designing new vessels to accommodate these new fuels if/when their availability increases.

Designs for new vessels, where feasible, are also incorporating hybrid technologies to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the new Near Shore Fisheries Research Vessel and the Program Icebreakers incorporate significant energy storage systems (batteries) within their propulsion system designs which are expected to result in noticeable reductions in emissions. These hybrid systems will permit some low power missions to be run entirely on the energy storage systems and also allow the diesel generators to be operated in an optimized configuration.

CCG is also investigating the feasibility of adopting a zero emission propulsion system in one of its future small vessels projects. This work, which is currently in an early feasibility assessment phase, is anticipated to result in a technology demonstration platform to give CCG experience with zero emission propulsion systems and potentially enabling more widespread use of similar systems in other CCG platforms in the future.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.2; 12.7)

Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions

Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution towards green procurement.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-2022:

• 14 functional heads of procurement and materiel management (14/14 – 100%) had a green procurement component in their performance evaluation in 2021-22.

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects

The Department will lead by example through the early adoption of clean technology innovations.

DFO has numerous renewable energy projects that are operational (e.g., Canadian Coast Guard College has multiple solar flowers as demonstration projects). The Department will look to identify additional opportunities for renewable energy implementation, and continue to identify alternative procurement options prioritizing efficiency and energy savings.

Implement projects associated with the Greening Government Fund:

• proposal in-development for next cycle targeted towards conducting building automation & commissioning assessments to identify automation opportunities for top DFO assets.
• one project is currently underway at Canadian Coast Guard College.

Performance indicator:

•  [Number] clean energy projects completed in [current reporting fiscal year].

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-2022:

• 1 clean energy projects completed in 2021-22.

A Biomass furnace was installed at the Canadian Coast Guard College.

As DFO embarks on the review of future renewable energy projects, opportunities for building automation will be explored.

The departmental actions are targeted to identify opportunities where additional improvements can be implemented. The Department will aim to capitalize on Government-wide initiatives and funds to accelerate capital projects focusing on energy conservation to lower costs that in turn should reduce associated GHG emissions.

The project underway at Canadian Coast Guard College will aim to automate data collection from important building systems for state-of-the-art monitoring and response capabilities.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.2; 12.7)

Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees

Ensure decisions makers, materiel management and specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-2022:

• 97% of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement.

It is a mandatory course for all new procurement and material management specialists. 

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.7)

By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels

Work with partners on climate change

Collect ocean data (temperature and salinity) through Canada’s network of Argo ocean array floats and advance commitments made during Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency, including up to $5.6 million to support the Argo ocean array.

Performance indicator:

• Number of new Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo and Argo floats deployed by DFO.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 33 floats in support of the Argo ocean array were deployed.

Target:
20 floats will be deployed by March 31, 2023.^{Footnote 3}

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 26 Argo floats were deployed by DFO.  

DFO contributes to the Argo global collaborative project, an array of over 4,000 free-drifting floats that collects data on ocean temperature and salinity. This data provides valuable information on changes to the Earth's climate and hydrological cycle. Continuous global coverage is needed in order to accurately quantify longer-term changes happening in the ocean.

Argo data is publicly available for free and is used for a variety of purposes such as assessing climate change, improving weather forecasts and developing ocean models.
http://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/isdm-gdsi/argo/index-eng.html

SDG: 13 – Climate Action (13.2; 13.3)

Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change

Conduct scientific research, modelling and analysis to build knowledge of climate change and its impacts.

Collect data through the Department’s ocean chemistry monitoring activities. 

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of planned aquatic climate change research projects completed.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 100% of planned aquatic climate change research projects were completed (2/2). 

Target:
Greater than or equal to 80% annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 100% (1/1) of planned aquatic climate change research projects completed.

Through the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Program, DFO is:

• conducting the science, research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities; and,
• developing adaptation tools, and improving ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform departmental decisions related to adapting fisheries and oceans management and coastal infrastructure.

SDG: 14 – Healthy Coasts and Oceans (14.2)

By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures

Protect and manage marine and coastal areas

Continue to work with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, and stakeholders in pursuit of future marine conservation targets:

• design conservation networks;
• establish and manage new Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs);
• establish new and maintain existing mechanisms for Federal/Provincial/Territorial, Indigenous and stakeholder collaboration to support ocean management and marine conservation activities, including the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers and the Oceans Management Contributions Program. 

Performance indicator:
Percentage of marine and coastal area that is conserved.

Starting point:
In 2013, approximately 1% of Canada’s coastal and marine area was conserved.

As of August 1, 2019, 13.81% of Canada’s coastal and marine area has been conserved.

Target:
A new international target is undergoing negotiation by Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is expected to be 30% of marine and coastal areas protected by 2030. This is in line with the Department’s 2019 mandate commitment to work with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada Agency to develop a plan to conserve 25% of Canada’s oceans by 2025, working towards 30% by 2030.

Performance indicator:
As of February 2022, 13.9% of Canada’s marine and coastal area was recognized as conserved.

DFO, in collaboration with other federal departments/ agencies, has surpassed the marine conservation target of conserving 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020.

Under Budget 2021, the Government of Canada made a historic investment to protect the health of our oceans, including $976.8 million in funding over five years to reach ambitious marine conservation targets.

Protecting these ecologically important areas is key to achieving the FSDS goal of supporting healthy coasts and oceans. The target was achieved through the implementation of a five-point plan that included the establishment of MPAs and OECMs, such as marine refuges. Canada’s approach was guided by three foundational principles – science-based decision-making, transparency, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous groups.

Collaboration and coordination with partners and stakeholders is a vital component of achieving Canada’s marine conservation target, sustaining healthy relationships, and supporting information sharing and communication amongst key partners and stakeholders.

In April 2019, the Government of Canada also announced two new protection standards: one for federal MPAs; and one for federal marine OECMs, including marine refuges. All future federal MPAs will prohibit oil and gas exploration and exploitation, mining, dumping, as well as commercial and recreational bottom trawling. Activities in federal marine OECMs will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that risks to the area are avoided or mitigated effectively.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.5)

Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries

Conduct scientific research and monitoring and provide science advice to support marine conservation.

Conduct scientific assessments (biophysical and ecological overviews) to:

• move forward with the establishment of existing Areas of Interest (AOIs) as Oceans Act MPAs; and,
• identify Areas of Interest that will progress to Oceans Act MPA establishment.

Advance Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) based on science-based guidance and advice.

Develop State of the Ocean Reports for each of Canada’s three oceans.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of approved science advisory processes on aquatic ecosystems that were completed.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 77% of approved science advisory processes on aquatic ecosystems were completed.

Target:
90% annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 69% (25/36) of approved science advisory processes on aquatic ecosystems were completed. Additional processes were deferred including due to operational challenges.

Identification and description of ecologically significant areas informs marine conservation measures.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.5)

Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans

Continue to improve and use relevant laws and regulations to protect Canada’s coastal and ocean territory and to ensure fisheries are sustainable.

• use the amendments to the Fisheries Act that provide protection and long-term sustainability of our marine resources, including measures to rebuild depleted fish stocks and new regulatory tools to provide long-term protection to marine biodiversity.
• develop Marine Spatial Plans in five marine areas to better coordinate how we use and manage marine spaces to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives.

Performance indicator:

• Number of conservation and / or management plans developed.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, marine spatial planning was initiated in five marine areas, to culminate in at least four Marine Spatial Plans by 2024^{Footnote 4}. At the end of fiscal year 2019-20, zero plans had been fully developed.

Target:
Four Marine Spatial Plans will be developed by 2023-24.

Note: Regulators and users are involved in the process of decisions and use information in development of plans.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• No conservation and / or management plans developed. On track for 2024.

As part of its commitment to oceans co-management, the Government of Canada is on track to securing commitment and co-developing Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) work plans with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners. This progress lays the foundation for developing interactive marine data maps, building capacity to enable Indigenous participation as partners in MSP processes, and finalizing plans by 2024.

Ocean regulators and users use information relating to the conservation and management of the marine environment to make decisions that protect Canada’s coasts and oceans.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.5)

By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested at levels considered to be sustainable, from a baseline of 96% harvested within established ecosystem limits in 2016

Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries

Conduct scientific monitoring and research activities for aquatic species.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of approved requests for science advice on fisheries resources, completed within required time.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 85% of approved client requests for science advice to support management decisions on fisheries resources were completed in the time required.

Target:
90% annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-2022:

• 69% (63/91) of approved requests for science advice on fisheries resources, completed within required time. Additional advice was provided early in 2022/23 and some planned processes were deferred based on consultations with clients and operational challenges.

Peer-reviewed science advice of fisheries resources improves our knowledge of fisheries resources, their productivity and factors affecting them to support sustainable fisheries management.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.4)

Use legislation and regulations to protect coasts and oceans

Implement limit reference points and harvest control rules for major fish stocks.

Prescribe major stocks in regulation, thus making them subject to the new Fish Stocks provisions (s. 6.1-6.3) in the recently amended Fisheries Act.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of major fisheries that have limit reference points and harvest control rules.

Starting point:
Based on the results of the 2019 Sustainability Survey for Fisheries, of the 176 major stocks assessed in 2019, 72 stocks (40.9%) had limit reference points and harvest control rules^{Footnote 5}.

Target:
Greater than or equal to 50% by 2023.

Note: Major fish stocks generally refers to, but is not limited to, fish stocks with an annual landed value of greater than $1 million or an annual landed weight of greater than 2,000 tonnes.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-2022:

• 45% (81/180 stocks) of key stocks have limit reference points and harvest control rules.

Ensuring that limit reference points and harvest control rules are in place consistent with the Precautionary Approach policy will help with the sustainable management and harvest of all key fish and invertebrate stocks.

By prescribing stocks in regulation and making them subject to the Fish Stocks provisions, there will be binding legal obligations to manage these stocks sustainably. These provisions require prescribed major fish stocks above their limit reference point to be maintained at levels necessary to promote sustainability, and to rebuild prescribed major fish stocks that are at or below their limit reference point. To facilitate this, the development of limit reference points and harvest control rules will be accelerated.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.4)

Implement policies for sustainable fisheries

Take concrete steps to implement an ecosystem approach to fisheries management through refined advice to take account of environmental factors in stock assessments and the continued implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF) policies in Canada’s fisheries.

Continue to develop SFF policies, where required.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of the major fish stocks that are harvested at sustainable levels.

Starting point:
Based on the results of the 2019 Sustainability Survey for Fisheries, of the 176 major stocks assessed in 2019, 166 stocks (94%) were harvested at sustainable levels^{Footnote 6}.

Target:
Greater than or equal to 96% by 2023.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 98% (177 of 180) of the key fish stocks that are harvested at sustainable levels.

The continued implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework policies, particularly the Precautionary Approach policy, will help ensure that all key fish and invertebrate stocks are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and taking into account ecosystem factors.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.2; 14.4)

Actions Supporting the Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans

Build our knowledge of coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas and fisheries

Measure the state and extent of ocean acidification in Canadian waters.

Performance indicator:

• Number of measurements provided to the IOC on the average pH for each of the three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic).

Starting point:
In 2019-20, data were provided to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) on the average pH for each of Canada’s three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic).

Target:
Canada’s data is provided annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 3 measurements provided to the IOC on the average pH for each of the three oceans in 2021-22 (Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic).

As an IOC Member State, Canada, through DFO, contributes to annual ocean acidification data collection. Ocean acidification due to rising CO2 levels, affects organisms and ecosystems, as well as coastal areas (reefs).

Increasing acidification decreases the oceans ability to store CO2, thereby decreasing the ocean’s role in regulating climate change. 

Regular observations and measurements of ocean acidification improve our understanding of these negative effects and enables modelling and predictions to inform mitigation and adaptation strategies.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.3)

Establish baselines for Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) for Coast Guard vessels.

This is a new action and performance metrics will be provided in a future update.

CCG is in the beginning stages of undertaking the establishment of baseline values. Baseline data will be reported through a future quantitative analysis.

Discussions are currently taking place between Transport Canada, DFO and the CCG, and DND on the work to establish baselines. Within Canada there are three areas where underwater noise is able to be captured - Boundary Pass and Patricia Bay (near Vancouver) and Halifax Harbour. Data is currently being obtained from these three sources to evaluate the noise levels from CCG ships that have passed through these areas. The information should provide an indication of the noise generated by the CCG vessels.

Discussions are also being held to determine the specific evaluation parameters that can target immediate noise reductions on existing vessels, and to look at initiatives that can be implemented during future refits.

CCG is supporting Transport Canada’s Innovative Solutions Canada challenge on marine vessel URN. Certain frequencies of URN are harmful to marine mammals, and the CCG is actively seeking opportunities to baseline URN signatures (acoustic emissions) from Coast Guard vessels, and participate in collaborative efforts to drive down URN via a spectrum of measures, from modifications to vessel systems to hull-grooming, propeller maintenance and vessel operations through modified operational techniques.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.1)

Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems

Support the development of novel solutions to reduce plastic pollution.

This is a new action and performance metrics will be provided in a future update.

CCG collaborated with Transport Canada to develop an Innovative Solutions Canada challenge to Canadian industry innovators, targeting recycling Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics, which comprise a large proportion of Vessels of Concern hulls.

The challenge was met by numerous innovator teams across Canada, and the CCG participated in evaluations of proposals and Phase 1 Proofs of Concepts, yielding funded prototype development, which is underway.

Three proofs-of-concept were developed for recycling Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastics.

The Government of Canada has committed to address this issue under the Oceans Protection Plan. This collaborative work targets novel solutions for processing Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic hulls and retaining reusable material without emitting GHGs. This work supports SDG 14 target to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds by 2025.

SDG: 14 – Life Below Water (14.1)

Other

Address hydrographic information gaps in the North through enhanced modern hydrography and charting to improve electronic navigational chart coverage of areas that have not yet been sufficiently surveyed within the proposed Low Impact Shipping Corridors in the Arctic.

Conduct highly intensive modern hydrographic surveying and charting activities to generate Electronic Navigation Charts for highly critical areas (near-shore, high risk coastal and inland water zones) across the country, including 23 of Canada’s highest priority commercial ports and waterways.

Performance indicator:

• Number of official navigational products created and/ or updated from incorporation of new and/ or archived modern hydrography per year in key areas.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 669 official navigational products were created and/ or updated from incorporation of new and/ or archived modern hydrography in key areas.

Target:
200 annually.

Performance indicator:

• Number of Canada’s highest priority commercial ports that are covered by modern hydrographic information, products and charts.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 10 of the 23 ports have been fully surveyed and charted.

Target:
23 of the highest priority commercial ports have been surveyed and charted by March 31, 2022.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 895 of official navigational products created and/ or updated from incorporation of new and/ or archived modern hydrography per year in key areas.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:  

• 23 of Canada’s highest priority commercial ports that are covered by modern hydrographic information, products and charts.

These actions will advance efforts towards the development of a world-leading marine safety system in Canada and will:

• enhance the prevention of marine incidents through improved navigation tools for the safe and efficient operations of commercial shipping and marine transportation sectors;
• strengthen navigational safety and the prevention of marine incidents; and,
• deliver modern marine surveys and enhanced electronic navigation charts, supporting integrated information about water levels, tides, currents.

SDG: 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9.1)

Actions supporting the Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers

Provide support and funding for projects

Support external scientific research and monitoring activities to better understand freshwater ecosystems.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of the Freshwater Habitat Science Grants & Contributions fund providing support for freshwater research.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 100% of funds for contribution agreements supported freshwater research. 

Target:
100% annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 100% (7/7) of the Freshwater Habitat Science Grants & Contributions fund providing support for freshwater research.

Results of scientific activities will provide information and advice to inform decisions related to the protection and restoration of Canadian freshwater ecosystems.

SDG: 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (6.6)

Better understand lake and river ecosystems

Conduct scientific research and analysis to better understand lake and river ecosystems, monitor their health, and provide information to support stakeholder decision making and help Canadians monitor the state of lakes and rivers.

Performance indicator:

• Number of published Science Advisory Reports, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Research Documents or Science Responses related to freshwater habitat or effectiveness of relevant management measures.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, four CSAS publications were completed; two relevant research documents were also published in the primary literature.

Target:
Four publications annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Three published Science Advisory Reports, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Research Documents or Science Responses related to freshwater habitat or effectiveness of relevant management measures.
• Seven additional reports from the 2021-22 fiscal year are in the publication process.

Freshwater research contributes to improved understanding of lake and river ecosystems and in turn the development of management measures for their sustainable management.

The Department undertakes targeted research on the effectiveness of management measures and produces science advice on monitoring programs, and assists in the interpretation of monitoring results.

SDG: 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (6.6)

Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems

Administer the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act to minimize or avoid impacts to freshwater aquatic ecosystems.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of development projects occurring in or near water that effectively avoid, mitigate or offset impacts to fish and fish habitat.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 93% of development projects occurring in or near water effectively avoided, mitigated or offset impacts to fish and fish habitat.

Target:
100% annually

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 96% of development projects occurring in or near water that effectively avoid, mitigate or offset impacts to fish and fish habitat.

To note, the Department’s 100% target is aspirational. For some projects, the outcomes do not occur as planned; a small percentage of projects have issues with the avoidance, mitigation, or offsetting. As such, of the 757 monitoring activities undertaken by DFO, 29 compliance or effectiveness issues were unresolved as of March 31, 2022. DFO provides guidance and ensures corrective actions are undertaken to resolve identified issues.

Efforts to conserve and protect freshwater fish and fish habitat will result in improved health of Canada’s lakes and rivers.

SDG: 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (6.6)

By 2020, species that are secure remain secure and populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans

Work with partners to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada

With our partners, strategically focus efforts and resources on shared priority places, species and threats to enable ecosystem-based approaches with multi-species and biodiversity conservation benefits.

This is a new action and performance metrics will be provided in a future update.

To be updated when performance metrics are available.

DFO is transitioning its approach towards multi-species, place-based and threat-based approaches to species at risk survival and recovery, with identified priorities for collaborative action.  

DFO is exploring opportunities to transform and modernize its delivery of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) by leveraging tools available under other Acts administered by the Department and by supporting multi-species, threat-based, and place-based approaches to SARA delivery.  
SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5)

Implement, innovate and modernize the regulatory and policy framework and tools to protect species at risk and migratory birds

Identify critical habitat, either partially or completely, for the survival or recovery of species at risk in recovery documents.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of listed Endangered or Threatened aquatic species, with critical habitat identified (either partially or completely) for which a protection order is published on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 54% of listed Endangered or Threatened aquatic species had a critical habitat order published on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

Target:
75% by March 31, 2023.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 100% (51/51) of listed Endangered or Threatened aquatic species, with critical habitat identified (either partially or completely) in a recovery document, have a protection order published on the Species at Risk Registry.

DFO, in cooperation with Parks Canada, supports the management and recovery of listed aquatic species in Canada and the protection of their critical habitats and residences, with the ultimate goal of preventing the extinction or extirpation (i.e., extinction in the wild) of aquatic species.

DFO is exploring opportunities to transform and modernize its delivery of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) by leveraging tools available under other Acts administered by the Department and by supporting multi-species, threat-based, and place-based approaches to SARA delivery. 

SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5)

Deliver enhanced conservation action

Promote and enable stewardship actions of partners/stakeholders in species at risk protection and recovery activities through the Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk; Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk; and, Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.

Performance indicator:

• Number of signed contribution agreements for projects with partners in support of aquatic species at risk stewardship activities. 

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 136 contribution agreements were signed with partners in support of aquatic species at risk stewardship activities.

Target:
Full utilization of grants and contributions funding annually for stewardship activities.

Note: A numerical target has not been provided as the number of annual signed contribution agreements cannot be planned or predicted.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 133 signed contribution agreements for projects with partners in support of aquatic species at risk stewardship activities.

DFO supports the stewardship and recovery actions of partners from across the country under its grants and contributions funding programs:

• the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP);
• the Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk (AFSAR); and,
• the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR).

The HSP and AFSAR programs offer approximately $5.9M per year to groups in every region of Canada with an interest in aquatic species conservation so they may implement stewardship activities for at risk aquatic species. 

The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR), is a multi-million dollar contribution fund that started in 2018 ($55M over 5 years) and expanded in 2021 ($28M over five years).  This fund aims to build relationships with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, industry, and other partners by supporting stewardship actions through multi-species, threat, and place-based approaches for the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk.

SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5; 15.A)

Work with partners to enhance foundational knowledge of species, habitats and ecosystems

Publish recovery or management documents on the public-facing Species at Risk Public Registry.

Performance indicator:  

• Percentage of aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act with a recovery strategy or management plan published on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 80% of aquatic species listed under SARA had a recovery strategy or management plan published on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

Target:
80% by March 31, 2023.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 87% of aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act with a recovery strategy or management plan published on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

DFO’s Species at Risk program for aquatic species is informed by sound scientific research, Indigenous and community knowledge and takes into account socio-economic and stakeholder considerations, in support of activities in the species at risk conservation cycle.

This is reflected in listing and recovery documents published on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5)

Build capacity and promote education

Maintain an online aquatic species at risk map that lets Canadians know where aquatic species at risk and their critical habitat are located across Canada.

Performance indicator:
Number of unique page views to the National Aquatic Species at Risk Map.

Starting point:
The National Aquatic Species at Risk Map was launched on September 24, 2018. It is consistently one of the 45 most visited DFO webpages.

Target: 
A consistent number of page views (between 400-500 per week).

Performance indicator:
23,479 unique page views to the National Aquatic Species at Risk Map for 2021-22.

The National Aquatic Species at Risk Map received an average of 443 unique page views per week for an overall 23,479 unique page views for the fiscal year 2021-22.  It is currently DFO’s 20th most visited page.

DFO provides a public facing aquatic speciesat risk map which compiles critical habitat and distribution data for aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act. It is intended to provide an overview of the distribution of all listed aquatic species at risk and the presence of their critical habitat within Canadian waters.

DFO encourages people who are considering a project to visit the National Aquatic Species at Risk Map website to facilitate locating these species and plan their project accordingly.

SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5)

Uphold international commitments related to Wildlife

Support work undertaken with international partners to protect and conserve species at risk in particular as it relates to furthering species recovery as defined under Target 2 of the Convention of Biodiversity.

Performance indicator:

• Percentageof listed aquatic species that, when reassessed, have trends consistent with the population and distribution objectives laid out in the recovery strategies or management plans.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 37% of reassessed listed aquatic species have trends consistent with population and distribution objectives laid out in recovery strategies or management plans.

Target:
75% by May 1, 2025.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 33% of listed aquatic species that, when reassessed, have trends consistent with the population and distribution objectives laid out in the recovery strategies or management plans.

DFO continues to streamline processes and procedures; identify priority areas, threats, and species; and adopt multi-species and ecosystem-based approaches to guide Species at Risk Act implementation efforts in line with the Nature Legacy initiative.

These steps will help to address a backlog related to commitments for publishing recovery documents and protection requirements for critical habitat.

SDG: 15 – Life on Land (15.5)

Achieve 90% compliance with Fisheries Act regulations related to aquaculture

Use legislation and regulations to ensure sustainable aquaculture

Inspect aquaculture operations to validate licence reporting, and determine compliance with aquaculture licences, conditions of licence, and other applicable legislation.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of aquaculture operation inspections where no violations were found; and the percentage of aquaculture operation inspections where no charges were laid with respect to federal aquaculture regulations.

Starting point:
Of the 219 aquaculture operations inspected in 2019, 99% of inspections did not result in charges and 67% of inspections did not identify violations^{Footnote 10}.

Target:
90% of inspections result in no charges laid under Fisheries Act regulations related to aquaculture annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• Of 601 total aquaculture inspections in 2021-22, 99% of inspections resulted in no charges being laid with respect to federal aquaculture regulations.

Inspections conducted by Fishery Officers validate licence reporting, and determine whether there is compliance with aquaculture licences, conditions of licence, and other applicable legislation. When necessary, Fishery Officers respond to complaints and conduct investigations to ensure aquaculture operations are sustainably managed.

SDG: 2 – Zero Hunger

Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food

Increase knowledge supporting sustainable agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture

Conduct targeted regulatory research on fish pests and pathogens, ecosystem management and interactions with wild fish populations, as well as collaborative research to improve environmental decision making and sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of sustainable aquaculture research projects which provide information and/ or advice to policy and decision makers.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 96% of sustainable aquaculture research projects provided information and / or advice to policy and decision makers.

Target:
90% annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 84% (42/50) of sustainable aquaculture research projects which provide information and/or advice to policy and decision makers. Informal and formal mechanisms will continue to be used to provide research outcomes.

Targeted regulatory research is conducted to improve the knowledge base that supports the sustainable management of the aquaculture industry. Ensuring that this information is made available to policy and decision-makers facilitates its use in meeting this goal.

SDG: 2 – Zero Hunger (2.4)

Work with partners to address invasive alien species

Conduct science research, monitoring and provide advice to support the Department and partners in addressing aquatic invasive species.

Performance indicator:

• Percentage of approved requests for science advice on aquatic invasive species that are completed.

Starting point:
In 2019-20, 67% of approved requests for science advice on aquatic invasive species were completed. This would have been 100%, but one process was delayed from March 2020 to June 2020 as a result of COVID-19.

Target:
90% annually.

Performance indicator:
From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 50% (3/6) of approved requests for science advice on aquatic invasive species that are completed. Two of the requests were deferred to 2022/23 and an additional advisory process was undertaken early in 2022/23.

Science advice is provided and made available to Canadians through the CSAS peer-reviewed science advisory process. This advice includes the evaluation of risks of species, and pathways through biological risk assessments, evaluation of effectiveness of mitigation measures, and advice on monitoring techniques and tools such as environmental DNA.

SDG: 15 – Life On Land (15.8)

Actions supporting the Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities

Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites

Implement a contaminated sites management plan to enable the Department to meet the Government of Canada’s long-term target to bring 95% of the contaminated sites listed in the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory to the point of closure, or risk management.

Performance indicator:

• Assess all sites, and remediate and / or implement risk manage plans for 95% of existing contaminated sites and move them to closure or long-term monitoring by 2035.

Starting point:
In 2018-19, the Department was responsible for a total of 2,588 sites where contamination may exist and assessment, remediation and / or monitoring are required.

Target:
By 2025, the Department expects to:

• assess 1,396 suspected sites;
• implement remediation/risk management activities at 435 known contaminated sites; and,
• either close or implement risk management plans for 459 sites^{Footnote 11}

Performance indicator:
As of March 31, 2022:

• 9,010 sites owned by DFO have been closed and their liability reduced to zero; this represents 81% of the 95% federal goal of closure.

From fiscal year 2021-22:

• 330 sites were closed, meaning that human health and ecological risks are effectively managed and financial liabilities were reduced to zero at these sites, leaving an inventory of 2,036 active sites.
• Remediation/ Risk management  activities were performed at 214 sites and assessment activities at 384 sites.

Cumulatively since 2018-19 (including FY 2021-22 results):

• Assessment activities were performed at 1,046 sites (40% of total sites).
• Remediation/Risk management activities were performed at 697 (27% of total sites) sites, and 887 sites were closed (34% of total sites).

The assessment and remediation of contaminated sites help to effectively mitigate or manage ecological and human health risks, helping Canadians to live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being.

SDG: 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (12.4)