Good News for Fish Habitat
For Immediate Release: June 21, 2019 – Surrey, BC
Bill C-68, which puts more teeth into the protection of fish habitat, has received royal assent and become law just before the House of Commons breaks for the summer.
The Bill C-68 amendments to the Fisheries Act are good news, especially for our salmon and trout. The BC Wildlife Federation and like-minded fisheries organizations see this as another positive step for the protection of critical lower Fraser River fish habitat in the area known as the Heart of the Fraser.
BCWF President Bill Bosch said, “with the changes included in Bill C-68 we now look forward to having much of the Heart of the Fraser designated as sensitive fish habitat. Provincial and federal governments can work with the BCWF, First Nations, industry and all stakeholders to implement a comprehensive and long-lasting protection and restoration program for the entire Fraser system.”
Returning the Fraser River salmon, sturgeon and steelhead trout populations to abundance levels of yesteryear and reclaiming its world-renowned status is in the best interests of all citizens in this province. The BCWF salutes Fisheries and Oceans Minister Wilkinson for his vision in starting the process of greater protection and restoration of this invaluable, iconic resource.
To read the government’s news release click here.
To learn more about Canada’s modernized Fisheries Act click here.
For more information about the Heart of the Fraser campaign and ways you can help protect this important ecosystem click here!