Harper Government Invests in Round II Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects in Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette

SWAN RIVER, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Nov. 3, 2014) - Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced on Saturday, November 1st that the Government of Canada is supporting two fish habitat conservation projects in central Manitoba. Under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc and the Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District are receiving up to $23,450 to conserve fish habitat in central Manitoba.

The funding will go towards two important projects in the area:

• The Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District will receive up to $15,000 to improve fish passage between Cooks Lake and Ravens Lake.
• Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. will receive $8,450 to improve Walleye spawning habitat in Whitefish Lake.

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, in 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada, an additional 128 projects under Round II are receiving up to $5.5 million, and most 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

• Under the first two rounds of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $373,675 had been made available for eight projects in Manitoba.
• Up to $5.5 million for 128 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II has been approved nationally.
• The Upper Assiniboine River Conservation project in Shoal Lake will prevent fish mortality by allowing Walleye, Northern pike and Yellow perch, to move through Cooks Lake to overwintering habitat.
• The Swan Valley project will improve Walleye spawning habitat in Whitefish Lake by identifying and removing obstacles of concern which pose a significant barrier to Walleye migration.

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 also an important economic activity which attracts many visitors to Canada and supports our local economies. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come."

Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette

"Upper Assiniboine Conservation District, working closely with the Municipality of Shoal Lake, is grateful for the opportunity to improve the overwintering success of local fish populations. This project will improve the health and sustainability of an important recreational fishery in our region of Manitoba"

Ryan Canart, District Manager, Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District

"Protecting and conserving the Walleye fishery of Whitefish Lake is one of Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc.'s highest priorities. Enhancing the two main tributaries will keep valuable spawning habitat accessible to fish, which is proven to be a key component to the success of this fishery. The funding received through the RFCPP, helps our organization work towards one of our mandates of improving water bodies in the Parkland Region to enhance game fish species and their habitats to the benefit of all persons."

Holly Urban, Project Manager & Fisheries Technician, Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc.