The federal government is now accepting funding applications for the second phase of its Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program.
The government is making $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups that will undertake projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat. Approximately 100 projects were approved for up to $6.4 million in funding, in the first round of applications this summer.
“Recreational fishing contributes significantly to our economy, especially in rural areas,” Gail Shea, minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), said in a statement released by Kootenay Columbia MP David Wilks on Tuesday, November 5. “As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2013, our government is proud to support the restoration and rebuilding of recreational fisheries habitat. We will continue to work with our partners to protect Canada’s valuable oceans, lakes and rivers for future generations.”
DFO will accept applications for funding from November 4 to December 18, 2013. Additional program information as well as the application form and guidelines are available on the Department’s web site at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.asp.
Recreational fishing produces a significant amount of economic activity. In 2010, anglers generated $8.3 billion to local economies, an increase of 10% over 2005. A 2010 survey found that over 3.3 million adult anglers participated in a variety of recreational fishing activities, essentially the same number as in 2005. Anglers fished for over 43 million days. Almost 93% of activity occurred in fresh water. Canadian non-resident and foreign anglers made over two million trips within Canada in 2010.
