MINISTERS REGAN AND D'ENTREMONT SIGN FISH HABITAT AGREEMENT

News Release

January 19, 2005 Dartmouth, N.S. - The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Chris d'Entremont, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Fish Habitat Management. The agreement will increase federal-provincial cooperation in protecting and enhancing fish habitat in Nova Scotia. The MOU formalizes procedures for the two levels of government to work together to protect fish habitat in the province. It applies to all fish habitats in Nova Scotia and will help to sustain the province's fisheries resources. Priorities under the MOU include: Measures to improve client service and streamline regulatory reviews. Improved information sharing and increased cooperation on habitat stewardship. Exploring new opportunities to enhance fish habitat. Agreement on seeking new opportunities to enhance scientific support for habitat research and monitoring. "The MOU builds on a long history of collaboration on fish habitat between DFO and the province and provides a framework to increase cooperation and results for fish habitat and for Nova Scotians," stated Minister Regan. "It is good news for fish habitat and for the many community groups committed to habitat restoration in the province." "Habitat restoration is important for ecological and economical reasons. Our cooperative efforts, which support the many volunteers who work to protect our province's fish habitat, is a positive accomplishment." said Minister d'Entremont. "The signing of this MOU will complement the new habitat fund that has been established for implementation in 2005. Volunteer groups will have access to this fund to help them carry out their work." The Canada-Nova Scotia MOU is key to the implementation of the Environmental Process Modernization Plan that the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers strongly supported at its September meeting. It makes an important contribution to the government's Smart Regulation Agenda. This is the fourth federal-provincial fish habitat management MOU, joining the Canada-BC MOU signed in 2000, the Canada-PEI MOU signed in 2002, and the Canada-Manitoba MOU signed in 2003. The Government of Canada is currently in discussions with the other provinces and territories on similar fish habitat agreements. The Canada-Nova Scotia Memorandum of Understanding on Fish Habitat Management is available on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/infocentre/publications/index_e.asp. - 30 - FOR MORE INFORMATION:: Communications Branch Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maritimes Region 902-426-3550 CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Communications Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Tel: 424-0192

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MINISTERS REGAN AND D'ENTREMONT SIGN FISH HABITAT AGREEMENT

News Release

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