April, 2014
The Government of Canada is funding up to 128 projects across Canada through Round Two of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, investing a total of up to $5.5 million following the second round of applications.
The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was created in June 2013 to encourage cooperation and support projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations, aimed at restoring recreational fisheries habitat.
The program supports the sustainability and ongoing productivity of Canada’s recreational fisheries by bringing like-minded partners together and pooling their resources to support the common goal of conserving and protecting Canada’s recreational fisheries. The partnership approach makes the most of joint resources, allowing results that would not otherwise be possible.
Some successes to date include:
- Restoration of important habitat for Coho salmon and other salmonids in British Columbia;
- Construction of a fish bypass channel to help preserve and restore the recreational fishery in Southern and Central Lake Ontario; and
- Removal of deteriorating dams and structures that had been used by the pulp and paper industry, so that salmonids in the Exploits River watershed in Newfoundland and Labrador have free passage.
The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has a $25 million budget to fund projects over three years (2013-2016). Through the first round of funding, 94 projects received approximately $5.9 million in funding. Through Round Two, a total of up to $5.5 will be invested in 128 additional projects. As all projects received at least 50 percent of their funding from sources other than government, the $11.4 million approved to date represents an investment of at least $22.8 million in fisheries habitat restoration through the program.
A third window for funding applications will be open shortly. Details about eligibility and how to apply are available on the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program’s website.