A Comparison of the Areal Extent of Fish Habitat Gains and Losses Associated with Selected Compensation Projects in Canada

Abstract

We conducted a review of studies that evaluated the effectiveness of fish habitat compensation projects in achieving the conservation goal of no net loss of productive capacity of fish habitat in Canada. Combined, the 103 compensation projects assessed in the 10 studies created and/or restored 493,205 m2 of fish habitat to offset habitat impacts totalling 1,142,648 m2. Most of the compensation projects assessed were a result of impacts to estuarine and riverine in-channel habitats. Forestry and urban development activities resulted in the greatest percentage of compensation projects. Overall, 64% of the projects were deemed to have achieved no net loss. Fifty percent of the projects had a compensation ratio (compensation area:impacted area) of less than 1:1. The small number of studies found in the literature suggests that performance evaluations are rarely conducted, limiting our ability to practice adaptive management. We advocate that a national monitoring program be developed through which the achievement of no net loss can be assessed on an ongoing basis.