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The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation “Open For Business,” Announces $300,000 First Round Of Funding Applications

March 17, 2008 • Fredericton, NB - The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF) is “open for business,” Honourable Rémi Bujold, the Foundation's Chairman, declared today. Established in February 2007, the Foundation is now set for its first round of funding applications. A total of $300,000 will be awarded in 2008.

The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation is a volunteer, non-profit, charitable organization that was established with the goal of helping to achieve healthy and sustainable wild Atlantic salmon stocks in Atlantic Canada and Québec. Funded with a start-up grant of $30 million through agreement with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, the Foundation has created a trust fund to promote and strengthen partnerships among groups working to conserve wild Atlantic salmon. Conservation projects and program administration will be financed from interest earned by the trust fund.

“The Foundation wishes to fund high-quality initiatives focused on conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and salmon habitat, as presented by partnerships among groups working at the watershed level,” Hon. Bujold explained. “By working with volunteer conservation groups, First Nations, municipalities, industrial bodies and others, we hope to identify and support creative, relevant and suitable initiatives to preserve this important resource.”

Categories of eligible projects include: development of salmon and salmon habitat conservation plans for a watershed or sub-watershed (watershed planning); conservation, rebuilding and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and salmon habitat; restoring access of wild Atlantic salmon to salmon habitat; and public education and awareness of the importance of conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and its habitat.

All proposals for funding will be submitted through the ASCF website (www.salmonconservation.ca), which will provide a complete application environment. Applications from conservation groups, Aboriginal organizations, municipalities and industrial bodies in the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec will be accepted. All eligible applications will be reviewed by the Foundation’s provincial advisory committees to ensure that provincial priorities are addressed.

“The Foundation seeks to provide a fair, balanced and predictable allocation of funding to each province on an annual basis,” said Hon, Bujold. “It will be a reliable and long-term supporter of salmon conservation by community partners.”

Deadline for applications is 30 April 2008 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Successful applicants will be notified no later than mid-June 2008 to allow adequate lead-time for summer and fall activity.