The Government of Canada makes a significant investment to restore capelin breeding areas on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence through the Coastal Restoration Fund under the Oceans Protection Plan

News release

Sept-Îles, Quebec - The protection and restoration of the environment is a top priority of the Government of Canada, which is providing resources through the Oceans Protection Plan for environmental protection and restoration. Canadians and future generations will benefit from healthier ecosystems that support marine wildlife, as a result of Canada-wide Coastal Restoration Fund projects.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that the Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe will receive $762,271 for a project to help restore capelin breeding on the north shore of the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.

The project aims to increase knowledge about capelin breeding areas, which are increasingly at risk of being disturbed, on the north coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The information collected will help identify the sources of the disturbances and identify suitable sites for restoring breeding areas and ensuring the health of juveniles. The project aims to rehabilitate sites and make the capelin habitats more suitable for the survival and reproduction of the species.

In May 2017, the Government of Canada announced the $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund to help rehabilitate some of our most important coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems. The Coastal Restoration Fund, under the responsibility of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, supports projects that contribute to coastal restoration on all of Canada’s coasts with preference given to projects that are multiyear and involve a broad number of partners, including Indigenous groups.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways. In collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities, the Government of Canada is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coasts and waterways for generations to come.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to protecting our coasts – that’s why we announced the Oceans Protection Plan, which will help restore and protect marine ecosystems and habitats. The $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund provides an opportunity to address threats to our ocean and coastal areas. I am pleased that our collaboration with the Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe will ensure healthy, thriving coastal habitats on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence for future generations.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The Coastal Restoration Fund will allow us to complete our project. It is important to maintain this resource at a strong level, allowing coastal communities to develop sustainably, and ensuring quality of life in a healthy environment. The project would not have been realized without this financial contribution from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and its desire to protect our marine environment. The Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe, its board of directors and its members want to thank the department for its trust and support. Together we will meet this challenge for the benefit of future generations.”

Gérard Lafrenière, President of the Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe

Quick facts

The project first aims to improve knowledge and restore the capelin breeding areas on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Then, the project will look to rehabilitate these areas.
Capelin is a forage species of great ecological value in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, in particular because it is a food source for many species of fish, birds and marine mammals, including the beluga whale, an endangered species.
A follow-up review of restored sites will make it possible to evaluate the success and to make corrections as needed.
The project will benefit other species on the shoreline, including molluscs, crustaceans, shorebirds, seals and other mammals.
The Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe will mobilize numerous supporting partners including Mamu Innu Kaikusseth (AMIK), Merinov and the University of Québec at Rimouski (UQAR).

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Laura Gareau
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
laura.gareau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

NR-QR-18-12E

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2018-04-05

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