November 7, 2014 - Emerald, Prince Edward Island
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Regional Minister for PEI and MP for Egmont, highlighted today the Government of Canada’s investment in seven projects in Prince Edward Island. Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), various organisations will receive up to $314,000 for seven projects to support the conservation of fish habitat on the Island.
As part of the National Conservation Plan, the RFCPP was created to restore Canada’s waterways and to ensure sustainability and ongoing productivity of our recreational fisheries. Given its success in ensuring a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country, and high demand, the Government of Canada increased the investment in the Economic Action Plan 2014 to a total of $25 million.
Groups like the South Shore Watershed Association will contribute to the conservation and restoration of our country’s natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage.
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. The window to apply for funding under Round IV is now open and applications will be accepted until December 12th, 2014. Details about the program can be found on the Program’s Web site where you can also sign up for updates.
“Recreational fishing is a popular leisure activity in Prince Edward Island that not only brings family and friends together, but also contributes to our economy by attracting tourists and creating jobs. Today’s announcement is great news for our PEI conservation partners who make a real difference by protecting and preserving our rich recreational fisheries and their habitat.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Regional Minister for PEI and MP for Egmont
“The South Shore Watershed Association would like to recognize the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. This funding will enable work to be carried out to restore fish passage to and fish habitat in the East Branch of the Westmoreland River. This will not only allow for the first fish passage above the Pond in the last 50 years, but also ensure the fish have passage to and suitable habitat in the headwater springs for spawning. Further work will include stabilizing the existing spillway and raising the dam to ensure the continued structural integrity of this historic pond.”
Kellie Lockhart, watershed manager of the South Shore Watershed Association
Photo caption: The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced funding for seven Prince Edward Island projects today under the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. Pictured left to right are Thelma Phillips, Director of the Lot 11 & Area Watershed Management Group; Tom Duffy, Manager Atlantic Operations - Ducks Unlimited Canada; Dale McIsaac, president of the Morell River Management Co-operative Limited; Minister Shea; Barry Mayne, President of the Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association; Kellie Lockhart, Watershed Manager for the South Shore Watershed Association; Norman Dewar, watershed Coordinator for the Ellen’s Creek Watershed Group. Absent: Megan Harris, Coordinator of the Central Queens Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation.
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Krista Petersen
Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Gulf Region
506-851-7171
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-G-14-24E
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