Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia to fund projects that promote wild salmon and sustainable fishing practices across British Columbia

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

June 15, 2020

Vancouver, BC — Protecting and restoring our wild fish habitat and stocks is a priority for both the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia. Healthy, wild stocks are vital to healthy ecosystems, the economy, to the social fabric of BC’s coastal communities, and they are a fundamental part of many Indigenous cultures and livelihoods.

Both governments are working on many projects to address and reverse salmon stocks declines. This work includes restoring lost protections for fish and fish habitat in the modernized Fisheries Act, advancing science-based fisheries management measures, reviewing concerns regarding predation, and implementing a plan to fight climate change.

Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, and the BC Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Lana Popham, announced funding for seven projects under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). $3 million in funding will be delivered over five years to support projects that are restoring salmon habitats.

Over the next four years, BCSRIF investments will play a key role in making British Columbia’s wild fisheries more sustainable for the long-term. This will benefit British Columbia’s fish and seafood sector by ensuring the sector can continue to offer stable employment to thousands of Canadians. As we continue to fight climate change and confront changing economic conditions, a healthy fish stock to harvest and sell will be critical to our economy and food supply. By supporting projects that build environmental and economic resilience, BCSRIF is also contributing to our recovery from Covid-19.

BCSRIF will be accepting new applications for funding from July 15 to September 15, 2020. Funding is open to Indigenous communities, industry associations, environmental non-governmental organizations, commercial enterprises, and academic institutions. Investments through this program will help recover salmon habitat, benefit commercial and recreational fishing and aquaculture, as well as support science and research initiatives. Further information on the application process, timelines and program criteria are available on the BCSRIF website: www.bcsrif.ca

Quotes

“Creating more sustainable fisheries is a priority for Canada and British Columbia. We’re taking decisive action now to protect and restore our wild fish stocks and their habitats across the province. The investments we’re making through the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund will move us closer to our shared goal of thriving, sustainable fish habitat and fisheries for today, and for generations to come.”

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Helping B.C.’s wild salmon population recover is a monumental task, but the commitment and partnership among First Nations, scientists, governments, and people who care about these iconic fish is unwavering. These projects will help salmon get up-stream to reach their spawning grounds, provide us with new information about their habits and populations, and contribute to our on-going efforts to have healthy salmon populations in the Pacific.”

The Honourable Lana Popham, BC Minister of Agriculture

Quick facts

  • Additional information on projects selected for the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) can be found online here.

  • The BCSRIF is a 70 per cent federal, 30 per cent provincial cost-shared program.

  • The Government of Canada is investing $100 million over five years for the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, and provided a one-time investment of $5 million for the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund.

  • The Government of British Columbia is investing $42.85 million over five years and has provided a one-time grant of $5 million for the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

  • Indigenous communities, commercial organizations in the wild fisheries and aquaculture sectors, recreational fisheries, as well as non-commercial organizations such as universities and research institutions, industry associations and conservation groups, can apply.

  • Salmon are a part of intricate food webs in both their freshwater and marine environments, affecting everything from tiny zooplankton, to large mammals like whales and bears, to birds of prey.

  • Wild salmon are culturally important for many First Nations in British Columbia. Wild salmon is also part of the province’s long-running tradition of recreational and sport fishing, which is directly connected to its tourism industry.

  • BCSRIF will be accepting new applications for funding from July 15 to September 15, 2020. Details on the application process can be found here.

  • All application are reviewed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

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Contacts

Jane Deeks
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
343-550-9594
Jane.Deeks@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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