May 23, 2019 Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick Parks Canada
Nature is our most precious resource yet it is increasingly under threat from climate change, human activity, and habitat loss. Since 1970, the world has lost approximately 60 percent of the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. We know we need to take action to protect the ecosystems and habitats that are home to the wildlife we love. Parks Canada does important work for species recovery and habitat restoration, including through collaboration with Indigenous communities and local organizations.
Today, Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi - Grand Lake, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced a federal investment of $335,000 for salmon restoration in Kouchibouguac National Park. This funding will bolster knowledge, surveillance and restoration of the Atlantic salmon population in the park, building on previous and ongoing projects in Kouchibouguac National Park and the surrounding region.
Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation and takes actions to preserve national parks and marine conservation areas and contribute to the recovery of species at risk. A continuing decline in the number of adult Atlantic salmon returning to spawn in local watersheds is putting this population at risk. A recent UN report showed that almost 1 million of the planet's species are at risk, and the Government is committed to protecting Canada's biodiversity. This project will monitor salmon populations through habitat assessments, electrofishing and tagging, as well as genetic analyses. It also aims to increase abundance by capturing adults and use specialized trays to incubate fertilized eggs generated from these parents and release fry into the rivers.
Salmon found in Kouchibouguac National Park are part of the Gaspé - Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence population. In working to protect and restore healthy, resilient ecosystems and contributing to the recovery of this genetically distinct and locally adapted population, Kouchibouguac National Park will work with other Atlantic national parks, Kopit Lodge, and the Friends of the Kouchibouguacis to restore the Atlantic salmon population.
Parks Canada is committed to understanding, conserving, and protecting endangered or declining species, such as Atlantic salmon, in Kouchibouguac National Park.
