Tuesday, June 17, 2014

17/06/14: Harper Government Invests In Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects in Vancouver

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and MP Robert Sopuck, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide up to $24,000 to the Stanley Park Ecology Society for salmonid enhancement in Beaver Creek in Stanley Park.

The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program by $15 million, for a total investment of $25 million.

On May 15, 2014, the National Conservation Plan was launched to provide a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country’s natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage, which includes an investment of nearly $6 million (Round I) under the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, that to date is supporting 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada. Funding to support up to an additional 128 projects (Round II) is underway with Round III to be announced shortly.

Quick Facts

  • The Beaver Creek Salmonid Enhancement project will restore and enhance spawning and rearing habitat for coho and coastal cutthroat trout, improve fisheries production and ensure ongoing protection through the construction of a fish passage enhancement structure.
  • Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $1,813,000 had been made available for 28 projects in BC.
  • Up to $5.5 million for 128 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II have been approved nationally.
  • A third window for funding applications will be open shortly. Details about eligibility and how to apply are available on the Program’s web site where you can also sign up for updates.
Quotes
“Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations,” said Minister Findlay. “Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”

Minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay

“It is through the great conservation work of volunteer groups like the Stanley Park Ecology Society, and hunting and angling organizations like the B.C. Wildlife Federation that the government is able to partner with to enhance and protect fisheries habitat,” said MP Sopuck. “Stanley Park is a National treasure for all Canadians and I am very pleased to be here in Vancouver to help highlight our Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program and how this funding will help enhance our Salmonid habitat in Beaver Creek.”

Member of Parliament Robert Sopuck

 The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd.

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