Government of Canada makes a significant Coastal Restoration Fund investment in Canada's Arctic through the Oceans Protection Plan

WATERLOO, ON, May 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The protection and restoration of the environment is a top priority of the Government of Canada, which is providing resources through the Oceans Protection Plan that will make our oceans and coasts safer, cleaner and healthier for the benefit of all Canadians and future generations.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that the University of Waterloo will receive a total of $1,261,890 over 5 years for research projects to help identify and restore key areas of coastal ecosystems in northern Canada.

In May 2017, the Government of Canada announced the $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund as part of the Oceans Protection Plan to help rehabilitate some of our most vulnerable coastline and protect marine life and ecosystems. The Coastal Restoration Fund supports projects that contribute to coastal restoration on all of Canada's coasts. Preference is given to projects that are multiyear and involve a broad number of partners that include Indigenous groups.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. Through this plan, the Government of Canada is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coasts and waterways for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities.

Quote

"Our government is committed to protecting our coasts – that's why we announced the Oceans Protection Plan, which will make our oceans and coasts safer, cleaner and healthier. The $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund provides an opportunity to address threats to our ocean and coastal areas. I am pleased that our collaboration with these academic institutions will promote healthy, thriving ecosystems in Canada's Arctic for future generations."

- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

• The University of Waterloo, working with the Kugluktuk Hunter and Trappers Organization, will receive $1,261,890 to identify migratory patterns and overwintering habitats used by Arctic Char and/or Dolly Varden in the Coppermine River and adjacent river systems near Kugluktuk in Nunavut.
• A restoration plan for one-to-two high priority streams that support Arctic Char and/or Dolly Varden fisheries, and are subject to low-flow events and fish stranding, will also be implemented as part of the study.

Related Products
Backgrounder – Coastal Restoration Fund

Associated Links
Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan 
Let's Talk – Oceans Protection Plan

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Central & Arctic Region

Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]; Vincent Hughes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-992-3474, [email protected], Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca