Guide

Project causing fish death or habitat alteration: apply for the required federal authorization

Avoid and mitigate first, complete project review, prepare plans and offsetting, then await the conditional authorization.

Priority

Authorization is not automatic after a review request. Do not start work likely to kill fish or alter habitat without a decision.

Confirm the scope

Describe plans, methods, timing, aquatic setting, species, habitat and temporary and permanent effects.

Apply avoidance measures, standards and codes of practice and document effects that cannot be avoided.

First submit the project for regional review, then follow the authorization route identified by the program.

Prepare offsetting, Indigenous consultation, financial guarantees and monitoring, then meet every condition and report.

Official sources are linked in the guide. Checked August 29, 2026; confirm current rules, forms and deadlines with the responsible authority.

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