Okanagan to Receive $207,605 Grant for Fishery Conservation

The status of recreational fishery habitats throughout Canada remains on the federal government's agenda, as more than $18 million in funding has already been allocated to the cause. At this point in time, the conservative government is now turning their efforts to the Okanagan region.

Photo credit: Flickr account.

The Canadian government has partnered with two conservation organizations to undertake fish habitat improvements in the British Columbian Interior, beginning with Penticton Creek and Nicola River and a $207,650 grant.

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. is receiving up to $146,000 to design and implement a plant that will hopefully re-naturalize Penticton creek. A large portion of the creek has been channelized for flood control.

This project is expected to improve migration, spawning, and rearing habitat for the kokanee and rainbow trout.

"Penticton Creek fish habitat was decimated when the stream was converted to a concrete flume decades ago. This collaborative restoration initiative will have an immensely positive impact on the stream ecosystem, the community and the Okanagan Lake recreational fishery,” commented Paul Askey, Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.

Nicola River will see a $61,650 fund allocated to improve rearing and spawning habitat in the waters. The river flows through agricultural pastures and range land. It is expected that the project will stabilize eroding stream banks and plant riparian vegetation to provide shade and other habitat benefits for coho, chinook, pink salmon, steelhead, kokanee, and rainbow trout.

"The Nicola River experiences high use by local residents and visitors, such as anglers, year-round. Improvements to freshwater habitat, particularly those that will enhance recreational fisheries in the area, will be well-received by local residents and visitors alike. Key partners in the project include the Steelhead Society and River Ranch,” said Barb Water from the B.C. Conservation Foundation.

Photo credit: Flickr account.

Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and the B.C. Conservation Foundation will receive up to a total of $207,650 to support their projects.

As part of a national conservation effort to restore waterways and to ensure sustainability for recreational fisheries, the RFCPP was created in response to such efforts.

Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $2,587,043 will be accessible for 30 projects in British Columbia.

"The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and the B.C. Conservation Society are playing key roles not only in the conservation and restoration of our country's natural environment, but also in encouraging Canadians to connect to our rich natural heritage. Our government has proudly pledged $25 million to date to support this important work. Along with our partners, we will continue to ensure the future prosperity of our recreational fisheries,” said Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihall.

For more information on the project, visit the program's website.