We have received 2 calls from DFO about the article on the Right Whale Recovery Implementation Team. Our interpretation is supplied as a comment to the original article. We might not have gotten it right so we are reserving this space for a response from DFO.
We are pleased to have received the following response from David C. Millar of DFO. Thanks for the clarification David.
Hello Mr. MacKay,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) acknowledges concerns raised about the role and future of the Right Whale Recovery Team, and would like to clarify the Department’s intentions.
The formal purpose of the Recovery Team for the north Atlantic right whale in eastern Canada was to provide advice on the development of a Recovery Strategy for the species, as required under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The excellent work of the Team has produced a proposed Recovery Strategy, which is expected to be posted later this spring on the SARA Public Registry for comment. That valuable work is now essentially complete.
The development of Action Plans is the next task in the SARA process for the north Atlantic right whale, and that work involves identifying specific actions that can be taken for the recovery of the species, based on the goals and objectives defined in the Recovery Strategy. DFO will continue to draw on the expertise of the dedicated individuals and groups involved in the development of the Recovery Strategy as we move into action planning. Details of the approach for involving interested parties in the next phase of the recovery process will be determined over the coming months.
I hope this helps to clear up any misunderstandings about the Department’s intentions. We are extremely thankful for the substantial expertise and experience of the members of the Right Whale Recovery Team and their contribution to the development of the Right Whale Recovery Strategy.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions.
Regards,
David Millar
Manager, Gestionnaire
Species at Risk Coordination Office/Bureau de coordination pour les espèces en péril
Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans/Pêche et Océans
Bedford Institute of Oceanography/Institut océanographique de Bedford
1 Challenger Drive,/ 1, promenade Challenger
Dartmouth, NS/Dartmouth (N.-É.)
B2Y 4A2
Tel/Tél: (902) 426-8503 Fax: (902) 426-2331
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