April 29, 2014 - Vancouver, British Columbia
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans today announced that the Government of Canada is providing $1.4 million collected from sales of the Salmon Conservation Stamp to the Pacific Salmon Foundation for a range of salmon stewardship and enhancement projects. The funds will be distributed through the foundation’s Community Salmon Program to projects that address Pacific salmon conservation, enhancement and habitat renewal in British Columbia and the Yukon.
This funding is part of Economic Action Plan 2013 commitments, which dedicated all revenue collected from the Salmon Conservation Stamp to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and increased the annual contribution to the foundation by approximately $1 million per year. The Salmon Conservation Stamp is a decal that costs adult anglers $6.00 and must be purchased annually to keep Pacific salmon caught in tidal waters off of Canada’s west coast. Prior to 2013, about $1.00 from each Salmon Conservation Stamp was directed to the foundation.
“This funding is another example of our Government’s commitment to rebuild, protect and conserve Pacific salmon,” said Minister Shea. “Our Government is proud to support the important work of groups such as the Pacific Salmon Foundation to protect and restore fishing habitat for future generations.”
“This funding commitment from Economic Action Plan 2013 brings a total of $1.4 million for Pacific Salmon Foundation projects over the past year,” said Minister Shea.
“I commend the Government of Canada for making sure that every dollar an angler pays for the Salmon Conservation Stamp is returned to the west coast to support Pacific salmon conservation and restoration,” said Dr. Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation. “This change will result in significant investments in our salmon and will be looked upon favourably by recreational and commercial fishers, First Nations, coastal communities and conservationists.”
“The Pacific Salmon Foundation works in partnership with volunteer streamkeepers and community organizations to magnify the impact of every dollar generated through the Salmon Conservation Stamp. On average, at least $6.00 are generated locally for every $1.00 invested from the Salmon Conservation Stamp,” said Riddell.
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Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
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