SUPPORTING FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT

A two-year fisheries enhancement agreement between Saskatchewan Environment and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) will help enhance the province's sport fisheries. The agreement allows the SWF to receive up to $150,000 a year from the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund in each of the two years of its term.

"This agreement will enhance the province's fisheries resource and through local involvement, will help strengthen the social and economic wellbeing of many rural communities," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "The funding demonstrates how much we value the work carried out by conservation groups. Without their commitment and active involvement, our ability to manage the environment in a long-term, sustainable way would be greatly reduced."

Fisheries enhancement projects will be selected based on provincial priorities. They will involve review and approval by Saskatchewan Environment fisheries experts and SWF members. Individual projects must meet all regulatory requirements and the interests of conservation groups, stakeholders, users and Aboriginal people prior to project approval.

Habitat protection and management are the primary focus of the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund. There is a commitment to use the Fund to form partnerships in an effort to continue to improve and conserve Saskatchewan's natural resources. The Fish and Wildlife Development Fund receives 30 per cent of the revenue generated from all fur, angling and hunting licences sold in the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Traci Braaten Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-1611 Email: tbraaten@serm.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306) 536-3852