February 17, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia
James MacCarthy was presented with a 2013 National Recreational Fisheries Award on Saturday, February 15, 2014 by the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
James MacCarthy’s untiring commitment to his community and province has spanned more than two decades and many facets of community life. He has built a reputation as a highly respected and listened-to advocate for the natural environment.
Affectionately known as “Mr. Coho,” James MacCarthy has worked tirelessly to protect and restore threatened salmon stocks and revitalize once-neglected rivers and streams. These efforts include being the major force in the Coho Society of the North Shore for over two decades. He and his colleagues have been successful in actively involving citizens of all ages as stewards of their local streams, in raising awareness among community leaders, and in convincing political and business decision-makers of individual and collective responsibility towards their watersheds.
Through his work with the Coho Society, James MacCarthy has brought together many people and initiated a number of support groups to protect and revitalize the Lower Mainland’s North Shore salmon streams. His leadership, energy and commitment have propelled the Coho Society to its position of excellence in the protection and rehabilitation of salmon habitat. A very important, lasting benefit is James’ impact on programs directed at young people, such as Salmonids in the Classroom, stream monitoring, field days and Adopt-a-Fish outings.
By providing youth with an early understanding of the importance of the natural environment and exposing them through hands-on activities, James is helping to develop a new generation of informed, committed stewards of the resource. He has left a legacy that will continue for generations.
Leri Davies
Strategic Media Relations Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
604-666-8675
NR-PR-14-02E
