Extension of Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program is good news for wetlands

Ottawa, Ont. – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) supports the federal government’s decision to extend funding for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP) with an additional $10 million per year for the next three fiscal years, starting in 2016-17.

“Coastal wetlands are nurseries for many species including fish and birds. So, additional federal dollars to maintain and restore fisheries habitat is good news for all that use them,” says Karla Guyn, national director of conservation at DUC. “The RFCPP is a core program under the National Conservation Plan. Its renewal is a testament to the many conservation successes that it has helped to achieve.”

Launched in June 2013, the RFCPP provides matching federal dollars to augment private contributions and provincial government funding for the protection, restoration and rebuilding of fish habitat.

“The RFCPP is a collaborative program, bringing together industry, conservation organizations and governments to protect our country’s fisheries. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to restore more habitat and to have an even greater impact on the landscape,” says Jim Brennan, director of government affairs at DUC.

To date, DUC has accessed RFCPP funding for 16 habitat restoration projects across Canada, from Amherst, N.S. to B.C.’s Fraser Valley. These wetlands also deliver many essential environmental services. They reduce the effects of flooding and drought, naturally filter drinking water, protect shorelines from rising tides and storm surges and are among the planet’s most important carbon sinks.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.

Contact Information

James W. Brennan
Director of Government Affairs
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Office: (613) 565-2525
Cell: (613) 612-4469
j_brennan@ducks.ca