Marking the first anniversary of the Cohen Commission’s report, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod says important actions and investments have been made to protect the sockeye salmon in the Fraser River.
“We first put a hold on development in the aquaculture sector in British Columbia. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans further extended that moratorium last week, so that all aquaculture development in the Discovery Islands areas will not be lifted for the foreseeable future.”
She notes the Economic Action Plan 2013 included three major measures that are directly addressing Justice Cohen’s recommendations. These include a commitment of $57.5 million over five years to bolster environmental protection in the aquaculture sector through science, an enhanced regulatory regime and improved reporting, McLeod adds.
“With improved regulatory certainty for the sector and more predictable decision processes, this will encourage investors to establish or expand their aquaculture operations in Canada. This investment will support economic growth and job creation, especially in rural and aboriginal communities.”
The local MP notes Budget 2013 also contained a new program to support recreational fisheries’ conservation activities through partnerships with community groups. She adds 28 projects related to Pacific salmon in B.C. totalling $1.8 million were approved under the first round.
“One of those 28 projects was the Swift Creek Watershed Restoration project to conserve fish habitat in Valemount. The second call for projects will begin shortly and I encourage all groups to continue to submit their projects.”
The Conservative government also decided to dedicate all revenue collected from the Salmon Conservation Stamp to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, she says, adding it will mean approximately $1 million more every year to support the foundation’s work.
“All of these initiatives are in addition to our government’s annual investments related to Pacific salmon. Currently, we invest more than $65 million per year, of which about $20 million is directly related to Fraser River sockeye.
