School of FishCanada's fish habitat is critical to the security and sustainability of Canada’s marine and freshwater fisheries resources. Fish habitat, however, can be easily damaged and lost due to human activities that occur in, near or with water. They can result in significant changes to fish habitat and have profound effects on the economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits that marine and freshwater fish provide to Canadians.

Contaminant Accumulation in Fish

Child FishingThere are many naturally occurring substances that are found in our air, water and food, such as mercury, lead, copper, arsenic. At very low levels they pose no threat to the environment or human health. However, at elevated levels they can become harmful. The same is true for a number of human-made substances that have managed to find their way into our environment and into our food chain.  When these substances enter the aquatic environment they can be absorbed by fish, directly from the water or in their food. If the substance is not excreted by the fish it can bioaccumulate, which is an increase in the concentration of a substance over time in a biological organism as a result of continued exposure.

Federal Regulations And Responsibilities

There are numerous ways in which our activities can have a detrimental effect on fish and their habitat; however there are also a number of ways that we can protect them.