Government of Canada makes a significant Coastal Restoration Fund investment in the Squamish River Estuary through the Oceans Protection Plan

SQUAMISH, BC, May 15, 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 to make our oceans and coasts safer, cleaner and healthier for the benefit of all Canadians and future generations.

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver ? Sunshine Coast ? Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that the Squamish River Watershed Society will receive $1,516,668 over five years for a project to help restore coastal habitats in the Squamish River Estuary of British Columbia.

The Squamish River Estuary has been impacted by historic development that has altered natural processes in the estuary. The Squamish Nation, Squamish Terminals, and the District of Squamish will work together to re-establish freshwater connection to the estuary in order to support the recovery of Squamish River chinook salmon.

In May 2017, the Government of Canada announced the $75 million Coastal Restoration Fund to help rehabilitate some of our most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems. Part of the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the Coastal Restoration Fund supports projects that contributes to coastal restoration on all of Canada's coasts, with preference given to projects that are multiyear and involve a broad number of partners, including Indigenous groups.

Quotes

"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 the Squamish River Watershed Society will ensure healthy, thriving coastal ecosystems in the Squamish River Estuary for future generations."

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

"Our partnership with the Squamish River Watershed Society is an indispensable asset in protecting the salmonid habitat of the estuary and puts coastal restoration funds into action toward proper ecosystem management."

- Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver ? Sunshine Coast ? Sea to Sky Country

"The Squamish River Watershed Society is pleased to be the recipient of funding from the Coastal Restoration Fund for the Squamish Estuary Salmon Habitat Recovery Project. This Project is intended to improve access to the Squamish Estuary for salmonid habitat as well as improving water quality, storage, and habitat for other fish and wildlife. This large scale project is in partnership between the SRWS with DFO and Squamish Nation and involves a Steering Committee made up with representation from Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, District of Squamish, Squamish Terminals, CN Rail, Squamish Windsports Society, Nature Trust of BC, and local conservation interests. Please be aware field crews will be out and about over the coming weeks monitoring the culverts along the Training Dike as they set up their equipment to study the movement of fish. For further information contact the SRWS at [email protected]."

- Edith B. Tobe, Executive Director Squamish River Watershed Society

Quick Facts:

• The Squamish River Estuary has been impacted by historic development that has altered natural processes in the estuary. 
• A rock jetty was constructed through the middle of the estuary in the 1970's to facilitate the development of a shipping terminal. This structure has disrupted freshwater influence in the estuary and isolated rearing habitat from juvenile salmon in the Squamish River.
• Through a series of breaches and removal of key areas of the jetty, the Squamish Estuary Salmon Habitat Recovery Project will re-establish freshwater connection to the estuary in order to support the recovery of Squamish River chinook salmon.
• The project will restore key habitat for chinook, coho and chum salmon.

Related Products

• Backgrounder ? Coastal Restoration Fund

Associated Links

• Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
• Let's Talk ? Oceans Protection Plan

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region