World-class fish stocks in Labrador will be further
protected due to an investment of approximately
$900,000 by the Williams Government. This significant investment
will fund seven additional Inland Fish Enforcement (IFE) officers to be
stationed in Wabush, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Cartwright which will
extend the current enforcement season and expand the scope of the
program.
"Labrador is renowned for its remarkable fish stocks,
and it is our responsibility as a government to be stewards of this
resource and ensure it is protected for future generations," said the
Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
"This investment will continue the Provincial Government's efforts to
see enforcement resources directed toward the protection of Labrador's
salmon, trout and Arctic char stocks.
Inland Fish
Enforcement will continue to work with conservation groups, anglers and
Aboriginal groups to ensure that this resource is protected for all
Labradorians.
"
The seven new officers will bring the total number of
positions in Labrador to 13. With this added investment, the province
will have 48 IFE officers dedicated to protecting the province's inland
fish stocks.
"Today's announcement supports the Northern Strategic
Plan for Labrador's objective to increase the number of conservation
officers through the Inland Fish Enforcement Program," said the
Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "Protecting the
fish habitat of Labrador has become more challenging with the opening of
Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, resulting in ready access to
the southern interior. With more people travelling and vacationing
throughout Labrador, it is imperative that we continue working to
safeguard this treasured natural resource."
Generations of Labradorians have relied on healthy
salmon, trout and Arctic char stocks for recreational and food
fisheries. Sport fishing is also a critical component of Labrador's
tourism and outfitting industry, drawing people from around the world to
fish each year. The latest available figures show that the 23 outfitting
lodges in Labrador focusing on angling contributed over $16 million to
the local economy, providing 130 full-time seasonal jobs. With proper
stewardship, protection and support, these figures could rise
substantially.
"The province's enforcement measures through the IFE
program have proven to be very successful, and our government has
received a lot of positive feedback from conservation groups and anglers
on the success of these efforts since the start of our investment in IFE
in 2004," added Minster Collins. "I applaud the hard work and dedication
of our enforcement officers. Their collaborative efforts are no doubt
having a positive impact on our fish stocks.
"
The Inland Fish Enforcement Program was established
by the Williams Government in 2004 to send a clear
message that the province would act quickly and decisively to apprehend
poachers and others who abuse this resource. Since then, the Provincial
Government has invested approximately $13 million toward the protection
of the province's inland fish stocks.
For further information on Inland Fish Enforcement
visit www.stoppoaching.ca.
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