Governments invest in a new approach to increase fish stocks
News release
August 6, 2021 · Charlo, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canadian organizations and operators continue to develop fresh approaches and innovative ways to overcome pandemic challenges, grow their business, and deliver world-class experiences. That is why the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick are investing to help the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre Inc. upgrade and expand to meet growing demand.
Support will enhance recreational fishing
Today, René Arseneault, the Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, announced a non-repayable investment of $932,740 to the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre Inc. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA. The Province of New Brunswick is also contributing $600,000.
This project will support infrastructure upgrades and the expansion of four existing culture systems to increase capacity and accelerate fish growth. These upgrades will increase the hatchery’s annual production to 160,000 brook trout and 36,000 landlocked salmon, allowing the province to stock more lakes and encourage ice fishing in the winter months.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure that Atlantic Canadian businesses have the support they need to take advantage of opportunities to thrive, grow, and compete for the future.
Quotes
“Businesses across Atlantic Canada have shown tremendous resilience throughout the pandemic. The Government of Canada is focused on working with them to find opportunities for growth and innovation to ensure their longterm viability. It is key to building vibrant, resilient communities, strong local economies and a sustainable future.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“For more than 80 years, the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre has produced landlocked salmon and brook trout to be released in New Brunswick’s rivers and lakes. Enhancement of these stocks contributes to significant First Nation, sport and commercial fisheries across the province.”
- René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche
“The investment in these infrastructure upgrades will help ensure New Brunswick residents and visitors will have access to world-class fishing experiences in the years to come.”
- Honourable Gary Crossman, New Brunswick Minster of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“With this new investment, the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre is entering the 21st Century and becomes a solid pillar in the New Brunswick sportfishing industry. Like the French poet Victor Hugo once said: There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come! and at 83 years of age, the hatchery history and progression has reached that pinnacle!
- Michel Bélanger, General Manager, Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre Inc.
Quick facts
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The recreational fishing sector in New Brunswick generates economic spinoff of nearly $26 million annually.
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The federal funding $932,740 announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The funding will help upgrade the existing hatchery infrastructure and water filtration systems in order to improve the maturation time and health of brook trout and landlocked salmon. This will allow the fish to reach maturity size for stocking purposes from spring to fall, which decreases the risk of disease and fish loss that comes with over-wintering fish in the hatchery.
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This increased capacity will allow the hatchery to be the sole supplier to the province through an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources.
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Provincial funds are provided through the Rural Economy Fund in the form of a $600,000 non-refundable grant.
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca
Danielle Phillips
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Danielle.Phillips@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
506-429-2624
Mary-Anne.Hurley-Corbyn@gnb.ca
Michel Bélanger
General Manager
Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre
michelbelangerdc@gmail.com
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