Thibault Announces Programs for Aboriginal Involvement in Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management

News Release

OTTAWA - (2003-10-09) The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced plans for two new programs for Aboriginal groups.Announced in last February's federal budget, the programs are the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program (AAROM) and the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP). Together, they will enable Aboriginal groups to become more involved in the processes used for aquatic resources and oceans management."We want to assist Aboriginal groups in acquiring scientific expertise and administrative skills to help their participation in aquatic resources and oceans management," said Minister Thibault. "The programs are designed to contribute to the government's broader objective of improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people."The programs will have a total budget of $8 million for the first year of their full operation in the 2004 fiscal year beginning next April."To best meet the needs of those involved, my officials will be meeting with Aboriginal groups over the next several months to obtain their views on how the programs will operate," the Minister said. "We will also be discussing these new initiatives with other stakeholders."The Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) ProgramThe AAROM program will provide support to Aboriginal groups that are working together to obtain access to technical, scientific and administrative expertise in order to facilitate their participation in decision-making processes used for aquatic resource and oceans management. Qualifying groups may also be eligible for funding to train and employ Aboriginal Fishery Officers. In addition, limited funding may be provided for commercial fishery access and for promoting the development of capacity related to aquaculture opportunities.A major objective is to provide Aboriginal groups with the capacity to participate in technical and advisory committees related to DFO's areas of responsibility, including fisheries and habitat management and oceans planning and management, while taking into account the differingcapacities and priorities of various groups. The AAROM program will be available in areas where DFO manages the fishery.The Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program The Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program will assist Aboriginal groups in inland areas to become involved in the regulatory and non-regulatory activities of DFO's fish habitat management program. This will help Aboriginal groups to work more effectively with DFO to understand the implications and identify the impacts on First Nations of projects or proposals that affect fish habitat. - 30 -BACKGROUNDER Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program, and Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program

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2016-12-15

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Thibault Announces Programs for Aboriginal Involvement in Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management

News Release

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