NORRIS POINT, N.L. — The Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to protect aquatic species at risk in Newfoundland and Labrador with a $2 million investment. Announced on Sept. 13 by the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the funding is part of the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.
The initiative aims to support conservation and recovery efforts for species at risk in the province, with two projects set to receive funding over the next three years.
The Atlantic Healthy Oceans Initiative (AHOI) will receive $1.77 million to assess and address threats to aquatic species on the southwest coast and in the Gros Morne region. This project will focus on reducing risks to marine mammals and fish from fishing practices, vessel traffic, and ocean noise. It will involve collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to mitigate the impact of bycatch, entanglement, and human-caused acoustic disturbances.
Intervale Associates Inc. is the second beneficiary, receiving $245,136 to tackle the issue of fishing-related plastic waste in Newfoundland and Labrador’s harbours. This project will work with harbour authorities and communities to develop local waste management strategies, aimed at reducing threats to aquatic species and boosting participation in species recovery efforts.
“Fisheries and Oceans Canada is proud of the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk projects that are currently underway and completed,” said the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “That’s why it’s important that the Government of Canada continues to work with partners on projects that help protect and recover species at risk.”
Launched in 2019, the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk has invested over $110 million in more than 140 projects. The fund focuses on nine priority areas, including Southern Newfoundland, and two key marine threats: fishing interactions such as bycatch and entanglement, and physical and acoustic disturbances like vessel collisions and marine noise.
Hutchings emphasized the importance of these initiatives, noting the unique role Newfoundland and Labrador’s waterways play in supporting aquatic ecosystems. “Through the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk, the Government of Canada will work with partners here in our province, and across Canada, to protect and improve aquatic habitats.”
The initiative is part of the larger Nature Legacy Initiative, which seeks to foster a culture of conservation by working with Indigenous communities, provinces, territories, industry, and academia to recover species at risk and protect biodiversity.
