Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, Initiative 15.4

Title of the PIA

Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, Initiative 15.4: Derelict Vessels Mitigation and Gear Disposal Program

Government institution

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Head of DFO or delegate for section 10 of the Privacy Act

Director, Access to Information and Privacy Secretariat

Senior official or executive for the new or substantially modified program or activity

Director General, Fisheries Resource Management

Name and description of the program or activity of the government institution

The Fisheries Management program administers Canada’s fisheries in consultation with Indigenous groups, federal departments, other levels of government, private industry, and non-governmental stakeholders. The Fisheries Management program leads DFO’s efforts to promote sustainability and is charged with allocating harvestable resources amongst Indigenous rights holders, commercial harvesters, and recreational anglers. Fisheries Management is further divided into relevant sub-programs, including Commercial Fisheries Management and Wild Capture Fisheries Management Policies and Strategies.

Legal authority

Section 61 of the Fisheries Act, RSC, 1985, c F-14
Section 8 of the Fishery (General) Regulations, SOR/93-53
Section 237 of the Income Tax Act

Personal information banks

This program falls within the parameters of two PIBs: (i) DFO’s Commercial Fishing Registration Cards, Certificates, Permits and Licence Information (DFO PPU 410); and (ii) Accounts Payable (PSU 931).

Short description of the project, initiative or change

The Derelict Vessels Mitigation and Gear Disposal Program (“Program”) will offer commercial fishers an opportunity to dispose of vessels and surplus fishing nets. The Program intends to reduce the impacts of Pacific fishing fleet reductions on the natural environment. The closure of certain salmon fisheries is predicted to increase the risk of fishing vessels and gear (i.e. nets) being abandoned by owners. Abandoned vessels and fishing nets pose an environmental risk to fish and fish habitats.

Risk area identification and categorization

Type of program or activity

Medium (2) risk to privacy

Type of personal information involved and context

Medium (3) risk to privacy

Program or activity partners and private sector involvement

Low (1) risk to privacy

Duration of the program or activity

Medium (2) risk to privacy

Program population

Medium (3) risk to privacy

Technology & privacy

Low (1) risk to privacy

Personal information transmission

Low (1) risk to privacy

Risk Impact to the individual or employee in the event of a privacy breach

Medium (3) risk to privacy

Risk Impact to the institution in the event of a privacy breach

Low (1) risk to privacy