Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s precautionary approach framework says decision-makers should act cautiously when scientific information is uncertain, unreliable, or incomplete, and should not use the absence of full scientific certainty as a reason to delay action when there is risk of serious harm to fish stocks.

The framework outlines how fisheries management should use clear reference points, risk assessments, and pre-agreed decision rules to protect stocks before they decline into critical zones. When stocks are in a critical state, conservation must come first, removals must be kept to the lowest possible level, and rebuilding plans must be put in place.

For wild Pacific salmon, this reinforces a simple principle: when the science shows risk, the government must act before the damage becomes irreversible.

Read more:
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-rapports/regs/sff-cpd/precaution-eng.htm