St. Andrews, N.B. (PRWEB) April 24, 2015

The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is pleased to see $ 30 million has been allocated over three years to extend the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. The figures were released in the Federal Government’s budget earlier this week.

The Economic Action Plan 2015 includes a proposed plan to extend the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program by providing $ 10 million per year for three years, starting in 2016-17, to support the conservation of recreational fisheries across Canada.

“By providing further funding to local organizations for restoration and conservation, our government is recognizing the contribution that recreational fisheries make to Canada’s economy, while empowering the individuals, communities, and organizations that are dependent upon it,” said ASF President Bill Taylor.

First launched in 2013, the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program supports projects aimed at improving the conservation of recreational fisheries habitat and brings volunteers together to collectively achieve conservation objectives.    

“Wild Atlantic salmon and recreational angling make a significant contribution to our local economies, especially in rural Atlantic Canada,” said Taylor. “This program enables our government to work more closely with the people who are on the ground towards the goal of healthy fish habitat for wild Atlantic salmon, while continuing to support productive recreational fisheries.”

A study by economists Gardner Pinfold estimated the total annual value for wild Atlantic salmon in Canada at $ 255 million in 2010, and the number of full-time equivalent jobs created annually at 3,872.

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The Atlantic Salmon Federation is dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems on which their well-being and survival depend. ASF has a network of seven regional councils (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Maine and Western New England). The regional councils cover the freshwater range of the Atlantic salmon in Canada and the United States.

ASF Contact:

Holly Johnson, Manager of Public Information: (506)529-1033(o)

(506)469-1033(c), HJohnson@asf.ca

To view this story online visit: http://asf.ca/asf-pleased-to-see-30m-in-federal-budget-for-fisheries-cons.html

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