April 22, 2010 Dear Stakeholders and other interested parties: Re: Draft Recovery Strategy for North Pacific Humpback Whales in Canada- Public Consultations: April 23- May 24, 2010 Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is pleased to inform you that the 2010 draft Recovery Strategy for the North Pacific Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Canada is undergoing consultations from April 23, 2010 until May 24, 2010. The draft recovery strategy and options for submitting feedback can be found at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/sara-lep/index-eng.htm. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada is required to develop a recovery strategy for all threatened, endangered or extirpated aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and your input is essential to completing the draft humpback whale recovery strategy. The draft recovery strategy describes the recovery goals and objectives as well as critical habitat and approaches to recover of humpback whales in British Columbian waters. If you would like to know more about North Pacific humpback whales and how their recovery may affect you, or if you would like to submit comments, the draft recovery strategy will be available for review until May 24, 2010. Feedback can be submitted via the webpage or alternatively, contact sara@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca or call (604) 666-2792 to request a hardcopy, and one will sent to you by mail. We look forward to receiving your comments. Sincerely, Tatiana Lee Species at Risk Recovery Planner Fisheries and Oceans Canada 200-401 Burrard St. Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3S4 Tel: (604) 666-2043 Fax: (604) 666-3341 Tatiana.Lee@dfo-mpo.gc.ca