pinkus sara conference oct 9, 2012
TRANSCRIPT
How a Good Law Went Wrong: the failure of SARA implementation
Susan Pinkus, Senior Scientist Ecojustice
©Wayne Lynch
“This is a story about the creation and application of policy by the Minister in clear contravention of the law, and a reluctance to be held accountable for failure to follow the law.” (Environmental Defense Canada v. Min of Fisheries and Oceans, 2009 FC 878)
©Mike Pearson
Any effective endangered species law must provide:
transparent, sound science -- SARA ss. 15; 40; 41(1); 73(3); 80(2)
protection of biologically relevant critical habitat -- SARA ss. 41(1); 58; 61; 80
© Milo Burcham
The ecological reality of what species need will determine whether they survive and recover.
SARA Should Work to Recover Species, if Implemented
Evading SARA’s Requirements
• Not identifying Critical Habitat
• Not protecting Critical Habitat
• Setting insufficient recovery objectives
• Ignoring imminent threats
© Jim Zuckerman
Failed Implementation: Identifying Critical Habitat
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 20120
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45With CHWithout CH
Spec
ies p
er Y
ear
JudgmentLawsuits
Failed Implementation:Nooksack Dace Litigation
“To conform with current policy…the following discussion on critical habitat … does not make specific geospatial recommendations.”
- Nooksack dace, July 2007
• Recovery team mapped critical habitat• Federal government deleted the maps
“While a considerable amount is known…several knowledge gaps and technical activities must be addressed before critical habitat can be identified.” – Recovery Strategy for Greater Sage-Grouse
Failed Implementation: Protecting Critical Habitat
Failed Implementation: Insufficient Recovery Objectives
Rec
over
y A
mbi
tion
2006 2007 2008 2009-2011
2010 20111.95
2.00
2.05
2.10
2.15
2.20
2.25
2.30
4.00
Loss of Scientific Integrity:DFO Eliminates Recovery Teams
© Mike Pearson
Failed Implementation: Ignoring Imminent Threats
SARA s.80“The…minister must make the recommendation if…the species faces imminent threats to its survival or recovery.”
© Milo Burcham
The ecological reality of what species need will determine whether they survive and recover.
Acknowledgements
• Jeannette Whitton and colleagues (UBC)• Rick Taylor and Jordan Rosenfeld (UBC)• Scott Findlay and Sue McKee (U of Ottawa)• Sean Nixon, Will Amos, Devon Page, Annie
Fernback (Ecojustice)