Fisheries and Oceans Canada Commits over $3 Million for World Wildlife Fund Coastal Habitat Project in Newfoundland and Labrador
News Release
October 11, 2017
Holyrood, Newfoundland and Labrador - Protection and restoration of the environment is a top priority for the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to providing resources for environmental protection and restoration for the benefit of all Canadians.
On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, announced today that the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) would receive over $3 Million through the Coastal Restoration Fund. This funding will support WWF-Canada and nine partner organizations in monitoring and restoring coastal habitats. The multi-year project will contribute to the continued development of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management by leveraging traditional knowledge, scientific research, and citizen science.
Planned project activities include capelin habitat modelling and restoration in Placentia Bay and the Bay of Islands, and removal of obstacles to fish passage for Atlantic salmon and Arctic char in Labrador. Through community-based monitoring and rehabilitation teams, these activities will build local capacity to steward the aquatic resources that are important to local economies.
In May 2017, the Government of Canada announced a $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund to help to rehabilitate some of our most important marine ecosystems and address threats to marine species. The Fund is a part of the national $1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan, an historic investment that aims to make Canada a leader in marine safety and our oceans for generations to come.
Photo caption: David Miller, CEO of WWF-Canada; Betty Parsley, MHA for Harbour Main; Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon; The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National; and Jim Holwell, Vice President, NunatuKavut Community Council at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF-Canada) Coastal Restoration Fund announcement on October 11, 2017.
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Quotes
The Government of Canada is taking action to restore coastal habitats and we are proud to work together with WWF-Canada and partners to protect marine environments and communities. This investment of over $3 Million in the restoration of coastal habitats in Newfoundland and Labrador will protect important species and ecosystems for generations to come.
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard
Our waters and the creatures that live in them are such an essential part of our culture and economy here in Newfoundland and Labrador. WWF-Canada and partners have been stewards in this area for a very long time, and we are thrilled to work with them on our common goal of protecting and restoring coastal habitats in this province.
Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon
The multi-year support WWF-Canada is receiving from the Coastal Restoration Fund will make a significant difference in reversing the decline of wildlife on the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador. We are proud to partner with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the NunatuKavut Community Council, research institutions and many community organizations to restore coastal habitats such as capelin spawning beaches. We are eager to get started on this work, bringing together scientific and traditional knowledge, which will ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal habitat in Newfoundland and Labrador.
David Miller, President and CEO, World Wildlife Fund Canada
Quick Facts
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Project Title: Stewarding Coastal Habitats Monitoring and Restoration for Priority Species in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Proposed Project Partners:
NunatuKavut Community Council
Marine Institute
University of Manitoba
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Association, Inc.
Shorefast Foundation
ACAP Humber Arm
Geological Survey of NL
Northeast Avalon ACAP
Associated Links
Contacts
Laura Gareau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613 992 3474
Laura.Gareau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Inquiries
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
709-772-3375
media.nl@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
NR-NL-17-09E
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