November 13, 2014 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon - Wanuskewin, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide $66,242 to the Meewasin Valley Authority to restore habitat along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon.
The Shakespeare Shoreline project will enhance the local recreational fishery by restoring a degraded section of shoreline, stabilize an eroding section and restore aquatic fish habitat. Promoting re-vegetation of the shoreline with native riparian plants will enhance biodiversity, prevent silting from damaged and eroding banks and improve water quality. The project benefits will be enduring and will create long-term enhanced fish habitat.
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 under Round I in 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada, an additional 128 projects under Round II and recently over 80 projects are eligible for funding under Round III.
Details about the program can be found on the Program’s Web site where you can also sign up for updates.
Maurice Vellacott, MP for Saskatoon - Wanuskewin
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RENSEIGNEMENTS (médias seulement) :
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
NR-CA-14-23F
