Harper Government invests in Round II Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects in the Miramichi Region

The Government of Canada to invest up to $5.5 million to restore recreational fisheries habitat through the National Conservation Plan

October 8, 2014 – Moncton, New Brunswick

On behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Tilly O’Neill Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide close to $126,000 for four projects to conserve fish habitat in the region of Miramichi.

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. Details about the program can be found on the Program’s Web site where you can also sign up for updates.

Quick Facts

Here are the details about the four projects:

• Miramichi Salmon Association Inc. – long-term habitat enhancement of an important cold-water refuge, specifically the cold-water pool located at the confluence of Donnelly Brook and the SW Miramichi River, located near Upper Blackville, NB.
• Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee – restoration of a 700- meter section of the Bartibog River including the installation of features to control erosion.
• Comité Sauvons Nos Rivières Neguac Inc. – restoration of the North Burnt Church River and Indian Brook which will include the removal of debris, the selective cutting of trees and the installation of ecological structures to stabilize river banks and sedimentation.
• North Shore Micmac District Council Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management – redirection and concentration of cold water springs into existing salmon holding pools to ensure the temperature remains low during warm water events as the pools are a refuge for salmon populations.

Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, more than $521,000 was made available for 12 projects in New Brunswick.

Up to $5.5 million for 128 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II has been approved nationally.

Quotes

“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 will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

“Protecting our geographic heritage in communities across the country for all to enjoy is a priority for our Government. Projects like these are helping to restore fishing habitats within our communities while also supporting a popular New Brunswick recreational activity. I commend these four organizations for their tireless work in conserving the rivers and fish habitat of the beautiful Miramichi region. “

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi

Associated Links

• National Conservation Plan
• Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program Web site
• RFCPP Success Stories
• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes to double annual funding for the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships program by providing an additional $15 million over two years

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For more information (media only):

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

NR-G-14-21E

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