A certain species in Canada could be classified as endangered and face a prolonged period of uncertainty while awaiting a decision from the federal government on whether to provide protection. This delay occurs as the species’ necessary habitats continue to change over time.
According to a recent study, out of 288 species evaluated as at risk since 2017, only 17 have made it to the Governor in Council within the recommended timeframe for a final listing decision. As of January 25, 2025, a majority of 153 species, including caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon, were still awaiting overdue listing decisions despite being identified as endangered or threatened.
The study highlights a bottleneck in the Species at Risk Act (SARA) process, where Ottawa lacks a statutory deadline for a crucial stage, leading to delays in providing necessary protections for these vulnerable species. The reasons behind these delays remain unspecified, with critics suggesting that the absence of a deadline allows governments to postpone challenging decisions concerning conservation versus economic priorities.
Peter Thompson, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at Simon Fraser University, pointed out that the government consistently fails to meet its own recommended timelines of one to two years for species assessments.
One example cited in the study is the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017 by COSEWIC due to a significant decline in numbers. The population missed a federal deadline in 2020 and was still awaiting further action five years later, facing threats from human activities like dam construction that disrupt their habitat.
The delay in listing these species under SARA has implications for their legal protection and recovery planning, particularly affecting aquatic species as federal protections apply nationwide. The study emphasizes the importance of timely listing decisions to safeguard critical habitats and prevent further species decline.
Indigenous perspectives highlight the cultural significance of these species, underscoring the need for balanced approaches that protect biodiversity while respecting traditional connections to the environment. The study also reveals challenges in the listing process, including issues with data collection and analysis, as well as potential delays attributed to Indigenous consultations.
The lack of transparency and accountability in the current system has raised concerns among researchers and advocates, who call for improvements to expedite decision-making and ensure the effective protection of endangered species. The government’s acknowledgment of the existing gap in the SARA process signals a need for reforms to address the delays and enhance conservation efforts for at-risk species, including marine mammals and fish.