Mapping Tools: Drains Maps Species at Risk Maps. A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium November 2013 Jenn Thomas Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Transcription

1 Mapping Tools: Drains Maps Species at Risk Maps A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium November 2013 Jenn Thomas Fisheries and Oceans Canada

2 Overview Species at Risk Maps Drain Maps Status and Next Steps Questions

3 Species at Risk Maps

4 Species at Risk Maps MAPS ontario.on.ca/projects/dfo.html Annual Map Updates Winter 2013/14 being sent to collect fish and mussel data Requesting data be sent in by end of December 2013 QA/QC of Data January/February 2014 Map preparation and review Post Maps and shape files Spring 2014

5 Project Design to Protect SAR Determine which aquatic SAR are present, their status and whether Critical Habitat is present MAPS are a screening tool need to contact CA/DFO to confirm species considered in proejct review ontario.on.ca/projects/dfo.html Ensure project activities will not contravene SARA prohibitions Target mitigation to SAR that are present (life history characteristics and habitat requirements) Recovery Strategies CA/DFO Staff

6 SARA Permitting A SARA permit will be required for project activities that may cause incidental harm to a SAR, in particular the contravention of any one of the 3 SARA prohibitions (Sections 32, 33 and 58) Field sampling to detect fish/mussel SAR Impacts to Critical Habitat In-water works in red segments Sec. 32. Individual Organisms Prohibitions against killing, harming, harassing, buying, collecting, selling extirpated, endangered or threatened schedule e 1 species Sec. 33. Residences Only applies for those species to which the concept of residence applies To date, not defined for any aquatic species in Ontario Sec. 58. Critical Habitat Prohibitions against the destruction of Critical Habitat once defined in a recovery strategy or action plan

7 Key Messages Maps are annually updated Spring 2014 notify stakeholders of new maps In-water works and activities that could impact SAR or critical habitat should be reviewed by DFO Field sampling to detect fish/mussel SAR Impacts to Critical Habitat In-water works in red segments MAPS Recovery Strategies & Management Plans MAPS ontario.on.ca/projects/dfo.html Websites: mpo.gc.ca/species- especes/index-eng.htm eng.htm For SARA permit applications visit: mpo.gc.ca/species- speces/permits/sarapermits_e.asp

8 Drain Maps

9 Drain Maps Partners DFO Drain Database and Fish Data 20 Conservation Authorities Lead for Data Collection and Data Entry First point of contact in Drain referral Review Process OMAFRA responsible for the drain line network Drainage Superintendents partner/client source for the line work and they need the maps so they can plan drain maintenance works in compliance with Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act

10 New Decision Tree 1. Not Rated: Drains that have no data and have historically been classed as D or E will be classed as not rated 2. Class B Drain Clean Out Data not being collected This Class will no longer be generated. 3. If drains have been Classed as F by the CA in the old database without data they will remain as F Drains in the New On-line Tool Exception SAR 4. SAR Class Drains with Schedule 1 Threatened or Endangered Fishes or Mussels will be classed as SAR will require a site specific review SAR Maps are on-line Working to integrate SAR and Drain Data one stop shopping 5. Sensitive Species Site Specific Authorization (includes Species Concern SAR Species) Drain Classes need to be based on evidence and data collection will w follow sampling protocols (Note: anecdotal evidence is not included)

11 New Fish List Move Away from Top Predators to Sensitive Fish Communities Draft Fish List prepared by Portt and Associates presented and supported at February 2008 Drain Workshops Science Review completed summer 2013 Draft Sensitive Fish List Revised and Field Sampling Protocol Drafted Waiting for report to be approved Draft Fish List incorporated into Data base Summer 2013

12 Fall Met with DSAO Executive end of June Continue with Data Fixes Review of Maps with Drain Supers and CAs Data analysis and verification of class changes Draft maps for review December 2013

13

14 Status and Next Steps Working on PDF maps and Shape Files for each CA Review maps with Drainage Supers and CAs Data Analysis and Verification Class changes Revise maps Maps Posted on the Web with Reference Guide SAR Data will not be integrated need to reference 2 sets of maps Field Sampling Protocol drafted Reassess Drain Database to line up with field sampling. Line Work with OMAFRA

15 Status and Next Steps Webinar update December Draft Maps Field Sampling Protocol Data Standards and Information Management Guide Map Interpretation/Drain Classification Guide DSAO Meetings planned for the December

16 Key Messages Next Set of Maps will be ready for review in December Goal is to have a science-based approach and a streamlined process The approach has changed Sensitive species vs top predator Not rated vs Classed as D or E Not Rated = site specific review just like a D or E drain Continue to use your existing drain maps

17 Key Tools Two sets of maps need to be referenced when determining drain classes Drain Maps AND Aquatic Species at Risk Maps (same extents) Reference Guide has been drafted SAR Maps: O.html Recovery Strategies & Management Plans

18 Spotted Gar photo by J.Barnucz Questions?