St. Andrews, New Brunswick – The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced $751,000 of new funding for four initiatives of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment as part of Canada's Action Plan For Clean Water. This announcement is a component of the Government of Canada's total investment of $61.5 million over 5 years to improve the health of our oceans.

"Today's announcement is further proof of our Government's commitment to protecting and preserving our environment," said Minister Thompson. "Maritimers understand the need to ensure Canada's marine resources are protected and our Government is taking real action to make it happen.  Today's investment in the Gulf of Maine area will ensure a balanced approach between ongoing economic prosperity and the health of our oceans."

Today's announcement will contribute to four initiatives of a joint Canada/USA 5-year action plan of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment:

• The Climate Change Network which is working on increasing awareness of projections of how climate change will affect the region and on developing strategies for adapting to the changes.
• Gulfwatch is a special program for the joint monitoring for toxic chemicals in the transboundary ocean waters
• Ecosystem Indicators Partnership which is developing a new Internet-based reporting system for information about the Gulf of Maine's environment.
• Public Education Products which are developed and delivered by the Council's outreach committee.  

• The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment - Backgrounder