Federal Government's "Water for Life" Project to Improve Aquatic EcoSystems in Fundy National Park

November 10, 2009 -- Alma, New Brunswick -- Today, MP Rob Moore was pleased to announce funding from the federal government designated for facilitating improvements to the health of aquatic ecosystems in Fundy National Park.

"This contribution will help with the protection of ecosystems in Fundy Park, a national treasure that must be preserved as an important part of Canada's natural heritage and as place where people can come to enjoy the beauty of our great country," said MP Moore.

The investment is another demonstration of Canada's international leadership in the area of ecological management and restoration. The total funding amount for the project is $1.35 million. Through Parks Canada, the federal government will invest over $1.2 million in the Water for Life project, which will be implemented to improve the aquatic ecosystem health of Fundy National Park. An additional $150,000 will be contributed to the Fort Folly First Nations Species and Habitat Recovery Program.

The program involves the final two phases of the restoration of Dickson Brook through the Golf Course at Fundy National Park, as well as improving aquatic connectivity and assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems. It also includes recovery work for the endangered Inner Bay of Fundy salmon and threatened American eels.

Today's announcement was made today during the release of inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon into Point Wolfe River in Fundy National Park. The fish were collected in the park as smolt and reared at the Mactaquac Biodiversity Centre, operated by Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

The funding comes as part of Parks Canada investment of $90 million, which over the next five years, in a series of Action on the Ground Program initiatives, will help to address pressing ecological concerns in national parks across Canada. These innovative, knowledge-based and partnership driven projects will protect and restore stressed ecosystems in Canada's national parks while involving Canadians and helping to positively enrich their lives.

Rob Moore is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and the MP for Fundy Royal.

- 30 -
William Spisso
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of Rob Moore, M.P. Fundy Royal
(613) 996-2316