Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Canada's new Fisheries Act regulations are bad news for water
On February 15, 2014 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans published a proposed regulation under the Fisheries Act. The reg reveals how the Act will evolve in the aftermath of changes in 2012 that gutted the legislation. We looked at it, and are unhappy to report that it's bad news for Canadian waters.
Letter from Maude Barlow & Mark Mattson: Fisheries Act no longer protects fish & fish habitat
"These changes to the Fisheries Act are just another step in removing the public’s right to clean water, a right we have both championed our entire careers," write Mark Mattson and Maude Barlow.
How “eliminating red tape” failed Canadians (including industry)
"Our environmental laws and public decision making forums are failing us. Politics now trumps reason. Projects are effectively pre-approved regardless of science, facts, or alternatives," writes Mark Mattson.
Waterkeeper comments on latest rollback to CEAA - "Designated Project" Regulations
Waterkeeper writes to the Government of Canada warning them that proposed changes to federal environmental assessment rules pose a threat to the environment and to Canadians. The changes are part of a broader dismantling of environmental law and science. They eliminate reviews for major industrial developments and fail to offer the public any kind of safety net to prevent serious environmental problems.
Waterkeeper and Ottawa Riverkeeper comment on new Fisheries Act Habitat Regulations
The proposed Fisheries Act habitat regulations will be devastating for aquatic life in Canada’s rivers, lakes, and oceans. These changes create a ‘paint-by-numbers’ framework to help industry destroy fish and fish habitat behind closed doors.