Frequently Asked Questions

What information is publicly available through the Fisheries Act Registry?

Each project information page contains key information about authorizations or amendments issued since the coming into force of the modernized Fisheries Act on August 28, 2019. Information includes:

  • File number
  • Authorization type
  • Primary work
  • Start date
  • End date
  • Province (or Territory)
  • Watershed name
  • Status of the Authorization
  • Latitude & Longitude
The Fisheries Act Registry also provides access to standards and (interim) codes of practice for measures to carry on a work, undertaking or activity while avoiding causing:
  • the death of fish
  • the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat
At this time, information about authorizations issued under the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Act will be available. The actual authorizations may be released at a future date, as the Registry develops. Information about authorizations will be refreshed automatically to provide real-time access to new information as it becomes available, and Canadians will be able to access information on projects across three federal departments via the Common Project Search platform.

Why is DFO building a Fisheries Act (FA) Registry?

The Fisheries Act contains provisions requiring DFO to have a public facing Registry to provide public access to project-specific information. While these provisions are not yet in force, DFO is committed to working toward it and to releasing information in support of the Government’s goals around transparency, access and accountability in federal decision-making.

What is the goal of the Fisheries Act (FA) Registry?

At this time, the goal is to deliver on the Government’s priorities around obligations to support access to project-specific records as outlined in the Fisheries Act.

How frequently is information added/or data updated?

The system will check for updates automatically, displaying updated information as it becomes available, while maintaining the ability to see earlier information that was available for a given authorization.

Will authorization documents be included on the Fisheries Act Registry?

At this time, project-based information about authorizations issued under the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Act will be available. The actual authorizations may be released at a future date, as the Registry develops. Information about authorizations will be refreshed automatically to provide real-time access to new information as it becomes available, and Canadians will be able to access information on projects across three federal departments via the Common Project Search platform.

Will the information on the Registry still be posted to the Open Data site?

Yes, monthly dataset releases of information about authorizations will still be posted to the Open Data site around the first of the month. This dataset will include all authorizations issued within the last month (new), as well as existing authorization records. The process for this dataset release will not change.

What privacy protections are being incorporated into the Fisheries Act Registry?

The Fisheries Act Registry follows the rules as in the federal Privacy Act. The Privacy Act gives Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals present in Canada the right to access their personal information held by government institutions that are subject to the Act, and protects that information against unauthorized collection, use, retention and disclosure. The Act complements other acts and procedures for access to personal information.

How will Indigenous knowledge be managed by DFO?

Indigenous knowledge provided to Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) will not be posted on the Fisheries Act Registry. Indigenous knowledge provided to DFO for a particular purpose will only be considered for that purpose based upon the agreement between DFO and the Indigenous Nation/community that provided it. Indigenous knowledge provided in confidence will not be disclosed as per the requirements set out under the Fisheries Act.

Where can I find more information about authorizations?

The Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program at Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides information about the Regulatory review process and applications for Fisheries Act authorizations on the Projects Near Water website.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) at dfo.faregistry-registrelp.mpo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.