Update Announcement
This proposal notice was updated on September 12, 2024 to advise the public that this file is still under active review. The ministry is reviewing the comments it has received to date. The original proposal date and comment period have not been altered. French
This consultation was open from:
December 12, 2017
to January 11, 2018
Decision summary
We are not proceeding with the government response statement for the American Eel due to legislative changes.
Decision details
The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) was amended on June 5, 2025, by the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 (Bill 5) and was repealed on March 30, 2026 when the new Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA) came into force. The requirement for the government to develop government response statements was removed from the amended ESA by Bill 5.
The SCA does not require the development of government response statements; however, we are committed to providing guidance on the conservation of species in Ontario when and where it is needed and as it makes sense to do so and to taking action to conserve species, including through the Species Conservation Program.
The ministry is considering its approach for conservation guidance under the SCA, including any guidance that may be developed for the American Eel.
Effects of consultation
The majority of comments submitted were generally supportive of the proposed government response statement goal, actions and concepts but suggested some modifications to improve clarity or to address certain threats or recovery priorities.
Many respondents indicated a need for immediate action to protect and recover American Eel and identified inter-jurisdictional collaboration as being very important to the recovery of the species. Some respondents shared concerns about the lack of quantitative targets within the document, and about the effectiveness of approaches currently being implemented to mitigate the effects of waterpower on the species.
Additional comments suggested clarifying the importance or intent of specific actions and provided recommendations for additional actions and linkages to other recovery efforts.
Comments from Indigenous organizations and organizations reiterated the significance of American Eel to Indigenous peoples and the importance of cultural relationships with the species. Recommendations for modifications to the goal and specific actions were provided.
The ministry will consider the comments received on this proposal in the development of any future conservation guidance for this species.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
300 Water Street
North tower, 5th floor
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
Public Input Coordinator - Species at Risk
300 Water Street
5th Floor, North tower
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
Updates
The notice was updated on September 1, 2021 to replace the broken link to the ‘Draft government response statement for review: American Eel’ with the correct URL.
This notice was first published on October 12, 2017 for a 60 day comment period at Stage 2.
This notice was republished on December 12, 2017 for an additional 30 days to extend the commenting period.
Description of policy
The recovery strategy for American Eel contains scientific advice to government on what is required to protect and recover the species and was finalized November 22, 2013 (link provided below under Other Relevant Information
). The finalization of this recovery strategy triggered the requirement to develop a government response statement.
When the recovery strategy was finalized, a policy proposal notice was posted under Environmental Registry #012-0405 to solicit input about the goals and actions the Government of Ontario should consider in the development of a government response statement for American Eel. The comments received and the recommendations contained within the recovery strategy were considered in the development of the proposed government response statement. The preparation of this government response statement required additional time given the complexities associated with the species and the range of stakeholders involved.
The purpose of this new notice is to invite the public to review and comment on the proposed government response statement. The government response statement will provide the government’s goal for the recovery of the species and a summary of the prioritized actions the Government of Ontario intends to take and support in response to the recovery strategy. Comments received will be considered in finalizing the government response statement. Please reference Environmental Registry number 013-1476 in your comments.
Purpose of policy
The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that a draft government response statement has been drafted for American Eel and to seek feedback on the draft government response statement.
Other information
The following web-links provide additional information about this notice:
- Draft government response statement for review: American Eel
- American Eel Recovery Strategy
- Ontario Species at Risk website
- The Endangered Species Act, 2007
Public consultation
This proposal was posted for a 30 day public review and comment period starting December 12, 2017. Comments were to be received by January 11, 2018.
All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry.
Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.
Other public consultation opportunities
Stage 2
The comments received from the Stage 1 posting (#012-0405), the recommendations contained within the recovery strategy, recent science and monitoring information, and additional input received through engagement with stakeholders and Indigenous communities were considered in the development of the proposed government response statement.
The public is invited to provide feedback and submit comments on the draft government response statement for American Eel.
Comments must be submitted by January 11, 2018 and can be submitted through this Environmental Registry notice or through the following methods:
- By email at recovery.planning@ontario.ca
- By fax at 705-755-5483
- By mail at:
Recovery Planning
c/o Fiona McGuiness
Senior Policy Advisor
Species Conservation Policy Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
300 Water Street, 5N
Peterborough ON K9J 8M5
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from December 12, 2017
to January 11, 2018
Connect with us
Contact
Fiona McGuiness
300 Water Street
5th Floor, North tower
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
184By email
28By mail
0