Minister Ashfield Presents 2012 National Recreational Fishing Award to the Souris and Area Branch of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation
Souris, Prince Edward Island - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, presented a 2012 National Recreational Fisheries Award to volunteers from the Souris and Area Branch of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (right) congratulates Joe MacDonald, President of the Souris & Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation (centre) and Fred Chevarie, member of the Board (left) as they receive a 2012 National Recreational Fisheries Award on behalf of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation, in Souris, Prince Edward Island.
“Our Government is proud to recognize these dedicated volunteers for their outstanding commitment to conservation of resources and to recreational fishing,” said Minister Ashfield. “Their efforts to protect and promote recreational angling help preserve our important resources for future generations to enjoy.”
“As the Souris and Area Branch of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation is committed to ensuring that recreational fisheries are preserved, so is our Government,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Regional Minister for Prince Edward Island. “These volunteers have made a real difference to recreational fishing and the resources in our community.”
The Souris and Area Branch was established in 1954, and has long been a tireless supporter of recreational angling. Volunteers have championed a cooperative project to re-introduce Atlantic salmon in the Souris River watershed, hosted very successful family fishing events, and are working with provincial officials to develop a long-term management plan to deal with obstructions to the migration of fish.
This organization’s efforts to restore and maintain the ecological integrity of the 30 watersheds in Eastern Kings County, covering more than 10% of the land mass of Prince Edward Island, has made it a model for other watershed groups to follow. Their exemplary efforts continue to show results such as the creation of a brook trout nursery, construction of a salt water marsh, improved agricultural practices, youth education, and fish habitat enhancement.
“Recreational fishing is a tradition worth preserving and protecting for future generations,” said Minister Ashfield. “I offer my sincere congratulations to the Souris and Area Branch of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation for their outstanding contribution to recreational fishing in Canada.”
Canada’s National Recreational Fisheries Awards were created in 1989 to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in areas such as recreational community leadership, restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat or promoting conservation and sustainable recreational fishing.
For more information about the National Recreational Fisheries Awards and about submitting nominations for future Awards, please visit our website at
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/peches-fisheries/rec/rfa-ppr/awards-prix-eng.htm.
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For broadcast:
Minister Keith Ashfield was in Souris to present a 2012 National Recreational Fisheries Award to the Souris and Area Branch of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation. Canada’s Recreational Fisheries Awards recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in areas such as recreational angling, community leadership, restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat or promoting conservation and sustainable recreational fishing.
For more information:
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-G-12-07E
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