Minister Shea Welcomes Applications for Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program Funding

November 4, 2013

OTTAWA, Ontario – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the Government of Canada is now accepting funding applications for the second phase of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program.

“Recreational fishing contributes significantly to our economy, especially in rural areas,” said Minister Shea. “As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2013, our Government is proud to support the restoration and rebuilding of recreational fisheries habitat. We will continue to work with our partners to protect Canada’s valuable oceans, lakes and rivers for future generations.”

The Government of Canada is making $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups who will undertake a variety of projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat. Approximately 100 projects were approved for up to $6.4 million in funding, in the first round of applications this summer.

DFO will accept applications for funding from November 4 to December 18, 2013. Additional program information as well as the application form and guidelines are available on the Department’s web site at: Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program.

Recreational fishing contributes significantly to the Canadian economy. In 2010, anglers generated $8.3 billion to local economies, an increase of 10% over 2005. A 2010 survey found that over 3.3 million adult anglers participated in a variety of recreational fishing activities in Canada, essentially the same number as in 2005. Anglers fished for over 43 million days. Almost 93% of activity occurred in fresh water. Canadian non-resident and foreign anglers made over two million trips within Canada in 2010.

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For more information:

Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537

Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

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