Provincial Government Assists Communities
to Implement Coastal and Oceans Management Practices

The Provincial Government continues to assist communities in Newfoundland and Labrador with their efforts to implement sound coastal and oceans management practices throughout the province. To that end, the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Acting Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced that $5,500 in funding has been approved for three such projects.

�Nowhere are the ocean and coastal zones more important to the history, culture and social well-being of its people than in Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Minister Taylor. �Indeed, we must all work together to ensure that our marine waters and coastal areas remain clean and productive. Our government is pleased to support the efforts of communities in playing a direct role in this process and I commend them for their initiative.�

Atlantic Coastal Action Plan (ACAP) Humber Arm has received $1,500 to assist with a community shoreline clean-up effort whereby volunteers throughout the Humber region and the Bay of Islands participated in a co-ordinated clean-up of their respective communities.

The Long Range Regional Economic Development Board (REDB) of the Bay St. George area has received $2,500 for a Green Team project that will involve raising the public awareness of the importance of coastal and oceans management.

The St. Barbe Development Association has received $1,500 to raise coastal and oceans awareness on the Great Northern Peninsula.

�These community organizations are to be commended for having taken the initiative to protect our marine environment, including the ocean and adjacent coastal areas,� said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. �I encourage other communities to work in partnership with us and take an active role in implementing sound coastal and oceans management practices throughout our province.�

Minister Taylor noted that he is particularly pleased that these funds were awarded in recognition of World Oceans Day, which takes places every year on June 8.

�These are very worthwhile projects and it is tremendous to see our communities showing admirable leadership in this area,� said Minister Taylor. �This is consistent with our government�s efforts to promote and achieve the strategic management of our oceans and coastal areas for the benefits of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.�

In Budget 2008, the Provincial Government allocated $160,000 to develop a comprehensive coastal and ocean policy framework and to promote generally effective management protocols.

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2008 06 18                         10:15 a.m.