Summary
Details
- Canada
Absolute prohibition on unauthorized deposits of harmful substances into fish-bearing waters
Criteria:
Mandatory authorizations for activities causing serious harm to fish or fish habitat
Ongoing compliance with conditions attached to permits and authorizations
Exceptions:
Deposits or activities explicitly authorized by regulation or permit
Emergency actions taken to protect human life or safety may be treated differently under enforcement discretion
Deep dive
📩 Stay ahead of climate regulation and reporting shifts
Regulatory updates, reporting standards, and new climate software — distilled into one concise weekly brief for decision-makers.
Thanks for signing up. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription.
Practical updates. Once per week.
What’s Required
Regulated parties must ensure that no deleterious substances are deposited into waters frequented by fish unless expressly authorized. Projects affecting fish habitat must avoid, mitigate, or offset impacts and may require federal authorization. Operators must implement environmental controls, monitoring, and mitigation measures where risks to fish or habitat exist.
Important Deadlines
2019: Amendments restoring fish habitat protections entered into force
Ongoing: Continuous obligation to prevent harmful discharges into fish-bearing waters
Project-specific: Authorization timelines apply where impacts to fish habitat require federal approval
Current Status
The Fisheries Act is fully in force and actively enforced
Habitat protection provisions were strengthened through amendments restoring broader protections
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations can result in substantial fines, imprisonment, or both
Administrative monetary penalties and compliance orders may also apply
Liability can attach to corporations, directors, and officers
Examples of Known Violations
An industrial facility must prevent effluent discharges that could harm fish habitat
An infrastructure project crossing waterways must obtain authorization and implement habitat compensation measures
Resources
Cut through the green tape
We don't push agendas. At Net Zero Compare, we cut through the hype and fear to deliver the straightforward facts you need for making informed decisions on green products and services. Whether motivated by compliance, customer demands, or a real passion for the environment, you’re welcome here. We provide reliable information. Why you seek it is not our concern.