Expanding WEST’s Nationally Recognized Aquatics Services
WEST is expanding our aquatics and fisheries services across Canada, supported by an experienced team working across Canada and the US. Our specialists bring deep technical capability across all project stages, including:
- Fish, fish habitat, and watercourse assessments
- Population estimation, habitat evaluations, and modeling
- Fish salvage and protection methods (including electrofishing)
- Construction and water quality monitoring
- Rigorous study design supported by advanced statistical and GIS analysis
This combination of field expertise and data‑driven analysis ensures that our work is innovative, scientifically robust, defensible, and tailored to support project approvals and environmental stewardship.
Supporting Clients Through Complex Regulatory Pathways
Navigating Canada’s regulatory framework requires precision and familiarity with multiple legislative requirements. WEST’s aquatics team supports clients in meeting federal and provincial obligations under:
- The Fisheries Act
- The Species at Risk Act
- Provincial legislation such as the Alberta Wildlife Act and Alberta Water Act
We help clients interpret requirements, plan compliant activities, and prepare clear, complete documentation to ensure projects advance efficiently and responsibly.
New DFO Standards, Codes of Practice, and the Project Submission Tool
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has introduced several important updates affecting projects near water. In general, standards outline how to design, implement, and manage required mitigation measures. Codes of practice outline conditions to manage risk for common project types, often removing the need for formal authorization when fully met.
Newly Published Standard
- Standard for In‑Water Site Isolation: Provides detailed guidance on planning, implementing, monitoring, and removing isolation measures designed to protect fish during in‑water works.
Four New Codes of Practice
For routine, lower‑risk activities:
- Bridges: maintenance and repair
- Intermittent drains: maintenance
- In‑water structures: maintenance and repair
- Boathouses, docks, and moorings: construction, maintenance, and repair
Updates to Six Existing Codes of Practice
- Beaver dam breaching and removal
- Clear‑span bridges
- Culvert maintenance
- Routine dredging for navigation
- Ice bridges and snow fills
- Temporary fords
Introducing the Project Submission Tool
DFO has launched the Project Submission Tool (PST), a digital platform that provides a streamlined interface, guidance on required information, and a more efficient process for submitting routine project details.
How WEST Supports Implementation of These Updates
WEST’s regulatory specialists help clients:
- Determine which codes of practice or standards apply
- Develop site isolation plans aligned with DFO’s new standard
- Tailor mitigation and monitoring measures
- Prepare defensible documentation for regulatory review
- Complete notifications through the PST or alternative pathways
Our approach combines scientific rigor with regulatory clarity—ensuring compliance, efficiency, and defensible outcomes.
Partner With WEST
If you need a team that brings together advanced scientific expertise and precise regulatory guidance, WEST is ready to support your next project. Contact us to learn more and discuss how we can help.
