Harper Government Invests In Round II Recreational Fisheries Conservation Project in Saskatoon

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Nov. 13, 2014) -

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 (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html) where you can also sign up for updates.

Quick Facts

• The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has invested nearly $6 million under Round I in 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada.
• Funding of up to $ 5.5 million for 128 projects to restore fish habitat for recreational fishing across the country was awarded as part of the second round.
  • The Shakespeare Shoreline Project will install rock rip-rap along 40 meters of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon to create local aquatic fish habitat.
  • This section of shoreline is called the Shakespeare Shoreline because the former snow dump site has been used by the seasonal outdoor theatre company, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, for more than 30 years.
  • The Meewasin Valley Authority was created in 1979 to provide stewardship, ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, and conserve the natural and heritage resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley.
• Under the third round of the RFCPP, up to $6.8M was committed to over 80 projects nationally that will be undertaken between 2014 and 2016.
• The fourth round of funding applications is now open until December 12, 2014.

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 fish 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."

Maurice Vellacott, MP for Saskatoon - Wanuskewin