Regulation - LGIC
Modernization of Approvals - regulatory amendments to update approvals for various fisheries related activities under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 664/98
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
Summary of Decision:
A decision was made to proceed with the proposal. The proposal was implemented by an amendment to O. Reg. 664/98 (Ontario Fish Licensing Regulation). This regulation was filed by the Registrar of Regulations on December 13, 2013 and published in the Ontario Gazette on December 28, 2013.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
13-MNR009
Posting Date:
August 27, 2013
Summary of Proposal:
At this time, MNR is proposing to modernize fisheries-related licences issued under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. If implemented, the proposed changes will reduce burdens on individuals and businesses engaged in certain activities related to aquaculture.
Proposed Regulatory Amendments related to Aquaculture
Currently aquaculture facilities require one or more of the following licences:
Aquaculture licence
Licence to stock fish
Licence to collect fish/gametes
The current Fish Licensing regulation (O. Reg. 664/98) specifies that an aquaculture licence is valid for a fixed term of five years, a licence to stock fish is valid for a fixed term of three years, and a licence to collect fish/gametes is valid for the term identified in the licence. In the proposed regulation, the term of validity for all three licences would be specified on the licence, rather than in regulation. The amended timelines would provide the flexibility to adjust the term, to streamline the application, review and approval process for stakeholders, and help achieve the desired resource management outcomes. Policies providing direction on how to determine the appropriate licence timelines may be required, and will be developed in a clear and transparent manner.
The current regulation wording does not include a clear exemption from the requirement for a person to obtain an aquaculture licence for public aquariums. The proposed regulatory amendment to O. Reg. 664/98 would provide certainty by establishing an exemption for persons operating public educational aquariums, provided they follow rules set out in regulation. Rules in regulation include the use of closed-containment technology, a method for wastewater disinfection, and no risk of accidental release of fish into the natural environment.
Proposed Regulatory Amendments related to Aquaculture
Currently aquaculture facilities require one or more of the following licences:
Aquaculture licence
Licence to stock fish
Licence to collect fish/gametes
The current Fish Licensing regulation (O. Reg. 664/98) specifies that an aquaculture licence is valid for a fixed term of five years, a licence to stock fish is valid for a fixed term of three years, and a licence to collect fish/gametes is valid for the term identified in the licence. In the proposed regulation, the term of validity for all three licences would be specified on the licence, rather than in regulation. The amended timelines would provide the flexibility to adjust the term, to streamline the application, review and approval process for stakeholders, and help achieve the desired resource management outcomes. Policies providing direction on how to determine the appropriate licence timelines may be required, and will be developed in a clear and transparent manner.
The current regulation wording does not include a clear exemption from the requirement for a person to obtain an aquaculture licence for public aquariums. The proposed regulatory amendment to O. Reg. 664/98 would provide certainty by establishing an exemption for persons operating public educational aquariums, provided they follow rules set out in regulation. Rules in regulation include the use of closed-containment technology, a method for wastewater disinfection, and no risk of accidental release of fish into the natural environment.
Contact Address:
Effective Date:
January 1, 2014
Decision:
Approved