Notice is provided on February 14, 2025, that the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board (“EMRWB”) (hereafter referred to as “the Board”) will be conducting a Written Public Hearing to consider approving the proposed designation of the horned grebe (Podiceps auritus) as a species of Special Concern under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) in accordance with its authority under s. 13.2.2 (f) of the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement (“EMRLCA”).

• The horned grebe is a small migratory waterbird species. In North America, 92% of its breeding range is in Canada, mainly in the Prairies and Northwest Territories. However, historical observations along Hudson Bay and James Bay indicate that the species may irregularly breed in these regions. In the Eeyou Marine Region, most observations were reported from Charlton Island and Strutton Islands, between 2009 and 2016 (ebird.org). These reports indicate the presence of adults, recently fledged juveniles, as well as one active nest.
• In December 2023, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated Special Concern for the horned grebe across the entire Canadian range of the species. If the horned grebe is listed as Special Concern under SARA, the Canadian Wildlife Service will be responsible for the development of a management plan for the species within three years following the listing. This plan will have to be approved by the Board.

The Board would like to invite all relevant Parties (e.g  Cree Nation Government, Cree Trapper’s Association, and First Nations of Waskaganish, Eastmain, Wemindji, and Chisasibi), as well as any individuals and/or organizations to provide any factual information they may have on the Horned Grebe (e.g. reports, traditional knowledge, sightings) that would assist the board on making a decision on this request from Government. Only Parties may submit statements of position on this Hearing matter.

Deadline for submissions: March 14, 2025

Submissions may be sent electronically to wildlife@eeyoumarineregion.ca

Please contact the staff if you have any questions.

Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board
6 Chief Isaiah Salt Road
PO Box 580
Waskaganish, QC J0M 1R0
Tel: 819-895-2262