Feds invests in Atlantic salmon recovery
by CM Staff
Parks Canada establishes first research chair in aquatic restoration
Dr. Kurt Samways loading a fish into a tank to be lifted to the river by helicopter.
Credit: Nigel Fearon Photography (CNW Group/Parks Canada)
SAINT JOHN, NB — The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Parks Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Restoration.
Dr. Kurt Samways has been selected to hold this Research Chair position. Samways holds a Doctorate in Biology from the University of New Brunswick, and has been selected for his decades of fish-related studies, and his research in partnership with Fundy National Park.
“This innovative collaboration between Parks Canada and the University of New Brunswick demonstrates significant action to help preserve and restore Atlantic salmon, which contributes to the culture of so many on the East Coast, including Indigenous peoples,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of Environment and Climate Change, in a prepared statement. “Dr. Samways will play a critical role as the first-ever Research Chair in Aquatic Restoration. I look forward to seeing the results of his work. Through partnerships like these, we are working hard to preserve and restore our iconic Canadian species for generations to come.”
The announcement also includes just over $431,000 in funding to support Parks Canada’s five-year regional Atlantic salmon recovery project. Announced in 2019, the project spans five national parks in Atlantic Canada — Fundy, Cape Breton Highlands, Gros Morne, Terra Nova and Kouchibouguac.
The Research Chair will work with project teams in each national park, taking a regional approach to assess the way ecosystems function before and after salmon recovery action.
