The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF) has awarded $107,317 to six separate conservation projects in Prince Edward Island this summer.
Souris and Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation received $26,500 for the last year of a three-year project designed to help increase Atlantic salmon in Northeastern P.E.I., while the Abegweit Conservation Society got $12,475 for the second phase of the Midgell River Salmon Habitat Rehabilitation, Protection and Conservation program.
The Abegweit Conservation Society will use a $29,000 grant to examine the P.E.I. Genetically Distinct Salmon Population Evaluation, including habitat assessment, rehabilitation and conservation. The Central Queens Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation received $26,842 for the restoration and enhancement of Atlantic Salmon Habitat on the West and Clyde Rivers.
Meanwhile, the Morell River Management Cooperative Limited received $7,500 for Habitat Restoration and Management of Atlantic Salmon in the St. Peter’s Bay Drainage Basins. Finally, the Richmond Bay Watershed Association Inc. got $5,000 for the second year of the Healthy Watersheds: A Sustainable Balance program.
“This marks the 10th anniversary of the ASCF providing funding in the interests of Atlantic salmon conservation, so it’s especially satisfying to see our grants continue to help this greatest of fighting fish overcome the considerable challenges it faces. It’s great to be an ongoing part of the solution,” says Stephen Chase, the federation’s executive director.
Chase says more than 90 proposals were received this year in eastern Canada, of which 71 were approved. Chase says the variety of projects funded illustrates the far-reaching importance of wild Atlantic salmon conservation.
“By growing our endowment and funding multi-year projects in each province, the foundation also underlines an enduring commitment to the long-term preservation and growth of our fragile and vulnerable salmon stocks,” Chase says. “The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation is now known as the reliable, established source of funds that conservationists and researchers turn to each year for support. This is a role we expect to continue to play well into our second decade and beyond.”
Funded with an initial endowment from the Government of Canada, plus the proceeds from partnership arrangements, sponsorships and donations from generous supporters, the foundation has created a trust fund to promote and strengthen partnerships among groups working to conserve wild Atlantic salmon. Conservation projects and program administration are financed from interest earned by the trust fund.
