Scotch Bonnet Island and Mohawk Island National Wildlife Areas Management Plan: chapter 8

8 Enforcement

To promote compliance with the Canada Wildlife Act and Wildlife Area Regulations, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) posts signs along the National Wildlife Area (NWA) boundaries and at main access points, that identify activities authorized within each NWA, and any conditions imposed on those activities. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Directorate is responsible for enforcement of federal and provincial wildlife laws. Directorate officers perform on-site inspections and investigations, and patrol the NWA to promote compliance and prevent prohibited uses within the NWA. When necessary, charges will be laid.

The management of NWAs is based on three Acts and the regulations thereunder:

• Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Migratory Birds Regulations
• Canada Wildlife Act and Wildlife Area Regulations
• Species at Risk Act

Officers monitor compliance with the Acts and regulations on an ongoing basis and will initiate investigations when required. Officials with Canadian Wildlife Service Ontario’s Protected Areas and Stewardship Unit provide Enforcement Branch officials with details from site inspections that may require enforcement action.