Government of Canada protecting Prince Edward Island coastal ecosystems through the Oceans Protection Plan
News release
Hunter River, Prince Edward Island – 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 that will make our oceans and coasts safer, cleaner and healthier for the benefit of all Canadians and future generations.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that the Prince Edward Island Watershed Alliance will receive close to $2,066,000 over five years for a project to help restore coastal habitats across Prince Edward Island.
This project will improve coastal habitats and reduce human impacts on fish habitat, all while building local capacity and engaging with other Prince Edward Island watershed groups, Indigenous groups, and partners.
In May 2017, the Government of Canada announced the $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund to help rehabilitate some of our most vulnerable 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 Coastal Restoration Fund is part of the $1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan ─ 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.
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Quotes
“Our Government is committed to protecting our coasts – that’s why we announced the Oceans Protection Plan to help keep our oceans safe, clean, and able to support local communities. The $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund is an opportunity for local groups to address threats to our ocean and coastal areas. I am pleased that our collaboration with the Prince Edward Island Watershed Alliance will ensure healthy, thriving coastal habitats on Prince Edward Island for future generations.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Today’s announcement is great news for our coastal communities across Prince Edward Island. This investment from our Government will help restore coastal habitats surrounding P.E.I. as well as foster collaboration between our partners.”
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque
“The PEI Watershed Alliance is excited to partner with Fisheries and Oceans Canada on several coastal restoration projects and training opportunities with our community-based watershed groups across the island. Through these pilot projects, the Alliance will develop local capacity for healthy, sustainable coastal ecosystems by fostering collaboration between local non-governmental organizations, governments, academics and professionals over this five-year agreement.”
Mike Durant, President, PEI Watershed Alliance
Quick facts
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The project activities will be carried out in several areas throughout Prince Edward Island; they will benefit species such as gaspereau, Rainbow smelt, American eel, sea-run brook trout, Atlantic salmon, and Eelgrass.
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The Prince Edward Island Watershed Alliance will be partnering with nine groups, including the Central Queens Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation, Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation, Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group, Kensington North Watersheds Association, Winter River-Tracadie Bay Watershed Association, Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group, Wheatley River Improvement Group, Trout Unlimited Canada - Prince County Chapter, and the Indigenous group, Abegweit Conservation Society.
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As a partner organization, the Abegweit Conservation Society will provide cultural history education and training to the participating groups and will join the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance in offering joint training sessions on coastal habitat restoration. The P.E.I. Watershed Alliance will support the Abegweit Conservation Society in the planning and development of future coastal restoration projects.”
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Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
vincent.hughes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
NR-G-18-05E
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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