January 26, 2015 - Salmon Arm, British Columbia
In the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, the federal government has partnered with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation to improve fish habitat along the Shuswap Lake shoreline and Salmon River. Member of Parliament Colin Mayes, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted today the Government of Canada’s investment in these projects. Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the British Columbia Conservation Foundation will receive up to $111,223 to support the conservation of fish habitat in the Shuswap Lake area.
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 the high demand, the Government of Canada increased the investment in the Economic Action Plan 2014 to a total of $25 million.
Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $2,587,043 has been made available for 30 projects in British Columbia.
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. Details about the program can be found on the program’s web site where you can also sign up for updates.
“The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program allows our Government to support an important economic sector while also ensuring sustainable fisheries. Our Government is proud to support their work that will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“Hard working organizations like the British Columbia Conservation Foundation are key to the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. Our Government will continue to advocate for recreational fishing, an important economic activity which contributes billions to our economy and is a part of our heritage. Together with our like-minded partners, we recognize the importance of protecting and restoring fishing habitat for generations to come.”
Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Shuswap
“Restoration of the Salmon River’s natural delta formation will help to significantly improve fish passage via a deeper, narrower channel. Adult chinook, coho and sockeye salmon will no longer experience delayed migration during late summer and fall low-flow conditions. The demonstration project on Little Shuswap Lake will provide long-term benefits for the recreational fisheries in Shuswap and Mara lakes by increasing the productivity of key species, and will be delivered through a partnership with the Little Shuswap Indian Band and federal/provincial environmental agencies.”
Barb Waters, British Columbia Conservation Foundation
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Michele Boriel
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
NR-PR-15-05E
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