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VICTORIA – A $30,000 B.C. government grant to the
British Columbia Seafood Alliance will help the commercial fishing industry to
participate effectively in the establishment and ongoing management of marine
conservation areas, Environment Minister Barry Penner said today.
“Our marine
conservation areas system is one of British Columbia’s greatest environmental
and economic assets,” said Penner. “They protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity
and safeguard significant cultural, historical, recreational and scientific features, while
also playing a key role in the sustainable management of B.C.’s fisheries.”
Since the
establishment of the first marine parks at Montague Harbour and Rebecca
Spit in 1957, British Columbia
has been the most active of all Canadian provinces in the creation of marine
conservation areas. There are currently over 130 marine conservation areas
stretching along the entire British Columbia coast.
The development of marine conservation areas
has a substantial impact on B.C.’s commercial fishing industry – one of the
main users of ocean resources. Their participation in the development and
management of these protected areas is integral to the sustainability and
economic viability of their activities. In recognition of this, the government
grant will enable the commercial fishing industry to develop a cohesive
information base and to enhance their ability to participate more fully in the
ongoing management of the marine conservation areas system in the province.
“Marine conservation areas are part of the fisheries
management toolkit,” said Christina Burridge, British Columbia Seafood Alliance
executive director. “This grant will help the commercial fishing industry to
participate more effectively in their development and management in B.C.”
As part of a 2004
Memorandum of Understanding, the Government of Canada and the Province of
British Columbia agreed to jointly develop agreements on implementation measures
for a marine protected areas framework. The goal is to have a completed system
of marine protected areas in place by 2012.
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Media Relations 250 953-4577 |
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