November 10 , 2014 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
Member of Parliament James Lunney, 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 is providing $97,040 to four conservation groups to restore fish habitat on Vancouver Island. The groups are: Alberni Valley Enhancement Association, Central Westcoast Forest Society, Friends of French Creek Conservation Society, and Nuu-Chah-Nulth/West Coast of Vancouver Island Aquatic Management Society.
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 are receiving up to $5.5 million. Most recently under Round III up to $6.8M was committed for over 80 projects nationally to be undertaken between 2014 and 2016. The fourth round of funding applications is now open until December 12, 2014.
Details about the program can be found on the Program’s Web site where you can also sign up for updates.
James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni
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FOR INFORMATION (media only):
Carrie Mishima
Communications Advisor
604-666-0392
carrie.mishima@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
