Canadian scientists are speaking out en masse against possible proposed changes to the Fisheries Act that would remove habitat protection provisions for fish.
More than 625 scientists, including Canada's most senior ecologists and aquatic scientists, have signed a letter urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to back off on changing the Fisheries Act, and a society of Canadian biologists and ecologists is also writing the government, urging the Conservatives not to rewrite the laws.
"It is surprising to me simply because it's been a long time (since) the scientific community has galvanized itself around an issue," said Jeffrey Hutchings, a biology professor at Dalhousie University who signed both letters.
The scientists are responding to news that the Conservative government may be quietly rewriting a section of the Fisheries Act by removing habitat protection provisions, according to information leaked to Otto Langer, a retired biologist who worked for the federal government for more than three decades. The "Langer leak" suggests the Conservatives are considering removing the term "habitat" from the part of the act that says it's illegal to harm, alter, disrupt or destroy fish habitat. Instead, the proposed change would make it illegal to create adverse effects "on a fish of economic, cultural or ecological value."
Hutchings said if the changes were to go through, it would take Canada back to the '60s and '70s, "before Canadians realized a healthy environment for animals reflects a healthy environment for Canadians."
"This is an incredibly regressive step. I can't imagine for a second that it's consistent with the views of most Canadians," Hutchings said.
In a Mar. 19 letter to Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield, Hutchings wrote that the Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution had "grave concerns" about the proposed changes. Hutchings is president of the society, a non-profit, non-partisan group of roughly 1,000 ecologists and evolutionary biologists.
"The proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will be considered an abrogation of Canada's global ocean and freshwater stewardship responsibilities," Hutchings wrote. "Firstly, there is no evidence to suggest the proposed revision to the Fisheries Act was based on an appropriate level of consultation with and advice received from DFO's science sector. ... Secondly, the proposed changes to the fisheries Act will be considered an abrogation of Canada's global ocean and Freshwater stewardship responsibilities. ... Thirdly, it is well established in the scientific literature and articulated in Canadian government policy and statute, that the protection of species habitat constitutes the most effective means of ensuring that species do not become extinct."
Hutchings was also one of the 625 scientists that signed the letter to Harper, urging the government not to make changes to the act "in favour of large industrial projects."
"All species, including humans, require functioning ecosystems based on healthy habitats," said David Schindler, a signatory and ecology professor from the University of Alberta. "It is the explicit role of government to find balance between protecting habitat and encouraging sustainable economic growth - not to pit one against the other."
The letter to Harper states that industrial activities already pose threats to fish habitat and many aquatic species at risk, and that weakening habitat protection will make Canada look irresponsibly on the international stage.
"If your government wishes to change the wording of the Fisheries Act or other laws affecting the health of Canada's ecosystems, we recommend that you ensure that any new legislation be based on the best science available," the letter states. "It is critical that any changes do not jeopardize the environment support system on which we and future generations depend."
No one from Ashfield's office was available for immediate comment, but he has said the government is reviewing the Fisheries Act and that no decisions have been made.
To read the letters to the Fisheries Minister or the information leaked to Otto Langer, go to Jennifer Moreau's blog at www.burnabynow.com.
