Cheryl Webb Note to DCR - Wild BC Salmon Funding, DFO

Here is the Cheryl Webb note to me from DFO on getting funding from the new pot of money for freshwater habitat restoration etc. I include it in entirety, though I have only commented on limited parts of it in the next post on this site.

Mr. DC (Dennis) Reid

< dcreid@islandnet.com >

Dear Mr. Reid:

Thank you for your correspondence of April 5, 2019 regarding habitat restoration. I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) understands the importance of the fishery resource to all who depend on it for their sustenance, livelihood, and recreation. DFO works to protect and conserve marine and freshwater ecosystems and the living resources they support.

As you mention, the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) will provide up to $142.85 million in new investments over five years and can support a broad range of activities. BCSRIF will support British Columbia’s fish and seafood sector, and fund projects to ensure the sustainability of wild Pacific salmon and other BC fish stocks. While the protection and restoration of salmon species is a key focus, the fund also allows for projects that target other species, such as forage fish, groundfish, and shellfish. Additionally, BCSRIF will ensure that the fish and seafood sector in British Columbia is positioned for long-term environmental and economic sustainability through a variety of projects—bycatch reduction is one example. This fund is a critical collaboration for Canada and British Columbia, as BC’s land- and water-use management responsibilities have a great impact on fish stocks.

During the first year of the program, the BCSRIF team will be reaching out to Indigenous communities, stewardship organizations, and stakeholders to identify priority funding areas for future years.

As you are likely aware, several other DFO programs contribute to habitat restoration for salmon. The Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) delivers a comprehensive coast-wide salmon production program. Current hatchery production directly benefits fisheries and provides key assessment information used to manage stocks. SEP’s Resource Restoration Unit supports a multitude of partnerships and projects that contribute to salmon habitat restoration. And the Coastal Restoration Fund has provided over $18.6 million to fund restoration projects in freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitats in British Columbia.

DFO also works in partnership with the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As you know, the Pacific Salmon Foundation is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon and their natural habitat. The Foundation receives funding from DFO annually to work on projects that enhance and protect salmon and their habitat.

In addition, the Department funds and delivers the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP). The RFCPP was developed to support projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations, aimed at improving the conservation of recreational fisheries habitat.

I assure you that our goals are the same, namely the protection, conservation, and safety of our fish resources for current and future generations.

I hope that the information I have provided is helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Cheryl Webb

Regional Director

Ecosystems Management

Pacific Region