August 15, 2014 - St.George, New Brunswick
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, accompanied by John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, announced today that, through the newly-established Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide $20,000 to Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc. to conserve fish habitat in St. George.
The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, an additional investment in Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program to a total investment of $25 million.
On May 15, 2014, the National Conservation Plan was launched to provide a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country’s natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. To date, the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has invested nearly $6 million (Round I), in 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada and funding to support up to an additional 128 projects (Round II) is currently underway. The window to apply for Round III funding has been open since June 30, 2014 and will close today. Application form and guidelines are available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html.
The funding will enable Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc. to undertake a restoration plan to repair the most damaged river banks of the Magaguadavic River. The plan includes the planting of 6,000 native willow tree seedlings in the degraded banks of the river.
- Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, $552,000 had been made available for 13 projects in New Brunswick.
- Up to $5.5 million for 128 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II has been approved nationally.
“Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations. Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, like the restoration of Magaguadavic River will benefit local communities for years to come.”
Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“Recreational fisheries are important to the Magaguadavic River and to our region. Projects like these are helping to restore fishing habitats within our communities while also supporting a popular New Brunswick recreational activity. I commend Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc. for their tireless work in conserving the rivers of eastern Charlotte County, New Brunswick, for more than 20 years.“
John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest
Photo caption: From left to right - Brian Glebe, Director of Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc.; Donald Killorn, executive director of Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc., John Williamson, MP for New Brunswick Southwest; and the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans following a funding announcement for a restoration project for the Magaguadavic River in St. George, New Brunswick.
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Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Gulf Region
506-851-7747
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
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