American Eel: Consultation check-in on listing under the Species at Risk Act

Introduction

As the competent minister for aquatic species at risk, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard provides advice to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on listing recommendations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) with respect to aquatic species at risk.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change then makes a recommendation to the Governor in Council, who makes the decision on whether or not to add species to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Schedule 1) of SARA. Results from consultations are a key consideration in the development of the listing advice and recommendations to the Governor in Council.

American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) was assessed and classified by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada as threatened in 2012.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada  undertook consultations with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and other interested parties on the potential addition of this species to Schedule 1 of SARA in 2015-2016. To ensure the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard takes into account current opinions in her listing advice, we invite interested parties to confirm their previous positions or offer additional information that the minister might consider in finalizing her advice.

Considerations

Subject to any exceptions that may be granted under SARA, if an aquatic wildlife species is added to Schedule 1 of SARA as threatened:

• General prohibitions automatically apply, making it an offence to kill, harm, harass, capture, take, collect, possess, buy, sell, or trade the species. It is also prohibited to damage or destroy their residences
• A recovery strategy and action plan must be developed, and, to the extent possible, critical habitat must be identified and protected

Public comments

This consultation check-in period will be ending on May 3rd, 2024. To participate, please submit comments dfo.ncrsaralisting-inscriptionleprcn.mpo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by mail to the following address.

Director, Governance, Listing and Emerging Priorities
Species at Risk Program
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
200 Kent St – 10th floor
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0E6