http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/292419099

Commentary on the management of fish habitat in northern Canada : information requirements and policy considerations regarding diamond, oil sands and placer mining

This report has been prepared in response to the need for information that will assist the management of fish and their habitat in northern Canada, and especially that relating to exploration and mining for diamonds. Increased exploration and mining activity is occurring across Canada and potential diamond mines have been identified in Nunavut, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. Diamond mining is currently occurring in the Northwest Territories. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has authorized the elimination or partial destruction of 26 lakes for diamond mining since 1997, and an additional 5 for the metal mining sector. The application of appropriate compensatory and restorative techniques is a fundamental requirement of developments that impact fish and their habitat. This poses an especially significant and unique challenge in northern Canada because of the prevalent climatic conditions and the paucity of applicable knowledge. Although the focus of this report is related to diamond mining in the Arctic, attention is also given to oil sands and placer gold mining; other major industrial activities in northern Canada that impact upon fish and their habitat. One of the main objectives of this report is to identify deficiencies in our knowledge with respect to fish and their habitat in northern Canada, and the implications of habitat alteration and destruction to aquatic systems.

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