Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) management plan: chapter 1

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Preface

The Steller Sea Lion is a marine mammal, and is under the responsibility of the federal government. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is a “competent minister” for aquatic species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Since Steller Sea Lion are located in the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, administered by the Parks Canada Agency, the Minister of Environment is also a “competent minister” under SARA for individuals occurring on lands and waters under the administration of the Parks Canada Agency. The Species at Risk Act (SARA, Sections 65-66) requires the competent ministers to prepare management plans for species listed as special concern, in cooperation and consultation with affected and interested parties. The Steller Sea Lion was listed as a species of special concern under SARA in July 2005. The development of this management plan was led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Pacific Region, in cooperation and consultation with many individuals, organizations and government agencies, including the Parks Canada Agency (Appendix III). 

Success in the conservation of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this plan and will not be achieved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency or any other party alone. This plan provides advice to jurisdictions and organizations that may be involved or wish to become involved in activities to conserve this species. In the spirit of the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Minister of Environment invites all responsible jurisdictions and Canadians to join Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency in supporting and implementing this plan for the benefit of the Steller Sea Lion and Canadian society as a whole. The competent ministers will report on progress within five years.