Ottawa, Ontario - Atlantic salmon are an iconic species across Atlantic Canada and Quebec. A symbol of resilience and healthy rivers, Atlantic salmon have supported ecosystems, cultures, and communities for generations-and their future depends on collective action today.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced a $10 million grant for the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS) to enhance the Atlantic Salmon Endowment Fund, a permanent source of funding for Atlantic salmon conservation in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. The Fund was established in 2007 through a $30 million Government of Canada investment and since that time, the projects it has supported have helped restore 7.5 million metres of habitat while opening up access to almost 200 square kilometres of habitat. The additional funding announced today will allow FCAS to increase their work supporting watershed-level initiatives including habitat restoration, fish passage and connectivity improvements, population monitoring, climate adaptation initiatives, and applied scientific research.
The Government of Canada remains committed to working in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, watershed and environmental organizations, and others within the Atlantic salmon community, to advance efforts to restore and protect wild Atlantic salmon.
Canada's conservation strategy for this iconic species was published in 2025, and this funding will advance delivery of impactful actions on-the-ground. Together, we will advance efforts to create the conditions necessary for Atlantic salmon and the Atlantic salmon community to thrive.
