OTTAWA, ON – The Honourable Laurie Hawn PC, CD, MP on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, is encouraging local angling, fishing and conservation groups to get their applications in for the newly established Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program (RFCPP). As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2013, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will make $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups who will undertake a variety of projects to restore and protect recreational fisheries habitat.

“Edmonton has countless amateur anglers who enjoy fishing in Alberta’s lakes and rivers. I am pleased our Government is providing assistance to enhance and restore fish habitat that will only heighten their experience,” said MP Hawn.

According to the 2010 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, more than 3.3 million adult anglers participated in recreational fishing activities in Canada. These activities contributed a total of $8.3 billion to various local economies in Canadian provinces and territories.

Activities that directly restore recreational fisheries habitat are eligible for RFCPP funding.  For example, the program can fund projects that mitigate streamside practices to improve the quality of recreational fisheries habitat, enhance habitat, manage the areas bordering streams, lakes and wetlands, and enhance connectivity (e.g., barrier removal, enhancing fishways).

The program will consider requests for funding of up to $250,000 per project per year.  Applications can be submitted for new projects as well as projects already up and running that could benefit from additional funding.  In recognition of the importance of a partnership approach, at least 50% of project funding must come from a source other than the federal, provincial, territorial and/or municipal governments.

The Government is now accepting applications for projects to be undertaken over the next two years. Additional information about the program and application forms are available on the Department’s website at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.asp

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