REGAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2004 RECREATIONAL FISHERIES AWARDS

March 29, 2004

OTTAWA – The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today presented Recreational Fisheries Awards to the 2004 winners. Three associations, one organization, and one individual were recognized for their efforts to protect and enhance Canada’s recreational fisheries and their habitat, and to encourage increased recreational fishing opportunities, tourism, and development.

"I’m continually impressed by the dedication of volunteers to Canada’s fisheries and fish habitat. Their commitment to countless hours of service is helping to ensure a strong and abundant recreational fishery for the future," said Minister Regan. "This spirit of responsibility, this call to make a difference, can be found across Canada – from coast to coast to coast."

The 2004 Recreational Fisheries Awards ceremony took place on Parliament Hill. During the event, Minister Regan presented each winner with a pewter medallion, made by the Canadian Mint, and a framed Certificate of Merit to commemorate their achievements. The 2004 award recipients are:

Rick Amsbury, Whitney, Ontario (awarded posthumously).

Kingfisher Interpretive Centre, Enderby, British Columbia.

Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Severn Sound Environmental Association – Tributary Rehabilitation and Erosion Control Program, Midland, Ontario.

Yukon Fish and Game Association, Whitehorse, Yukon.

"Canada is known for having the best recreational fishing in the world," said Minister Regan. "To keep our world-class reputation strong, we must manage our fishery resources and habitat carefully, with an eye to the future. Government plays an important role, but we also rely on the contributions of thousands of volunteers."

Created in 1989 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the annual Recreational Fisheries Awards recognize outstanding work to improve and protect recreational fisheries and their habitats. Any individual, group, business or association is eligible for the award and can be nominated at any time during the year by an individual or organization, and a co-sponsor. To be considered, projects must be supported by documentation and undertaken in Canada, independently of government agencies, by citizens or landed immigrants.

For nomination forms or additional information, contact:

The Recreational Fisheries Awards Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
200 Kent Street,
Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6
Telephone: (613) 993-6695
Fax: (613) 990-9691

E-mail: XNCRAwards@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

For more information on the Recreational Fisheries Awards, and this year’s winners, visit the DFO Web site at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/rfa-ppr/awards-prix_e.htm.

Photos available upon request.

The backgrounder related to this announcement is available on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s website at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media_e.htm

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christiane Parcigneau Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 998-1530	Brian Underhill Director of Communications Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 992-3474
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