It is prohibited under the SARA to:

• kill, harm, harass, capture or take individuals of extirpated, endangered or threatened species.
• possess, collect, buy, sell or trade individuals or parts of them.
• damage or destroy an individual's residence.
• destroy any part of the species' legally identified critical habitat.

SARA Prohibitions apply to:

• species covered by the federal Fisheries Act and the Migratory Bird Convention Act where ever they occur.
• all species on federal lands.

Species under provincial jurisdiction are protected by the BC Wildlife Act. Federal Cabinet may create an order extending SARA's powers if a species is insufficiently protected by provincial laws.

Permits to conduct activities that affect species at risk may be issued:

• only if the species' survival or recovery will not be jeopardized.
• for scientific research relating to the conservation of the species.
• for activities that will benefit the species.
• for activities that have only an incidental effect on the species.