$1.1 million in federal funding has been announced for several coastal research projects in Saint John.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long announced the funding through the Coastal Environment Baseline Program, part of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan.
The research projects will gather data that will help detect changes in the marine environment over time.
They will look at a variety of data, such as water quality, coastal wetlands, and harbour seal populations.
Another fantastic announcement for our riding!
$1.1 million federal funding through our government's Oceans Protection Plan to help organizations like #ACAP Saint John.
Congrats Graeme Stewart-Robertson for your leadership in preserving and protecting our harbour's ecosystem! pic.twitter.com/Kzg7UjsXAX— Wayne Long (@WayneLongSJ) March 14, 2019
“It is our collective duty to acknowledge the many demands placed on our oceans and work together to strike an environmental and economic balance that protects the long term health of our marine ecosystems,” said Long.
ACAP Saint John, Nature NB, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the North Shore Micmac District Council will all be receiving the funding over the next three to four years.
Long says protecting coastal ecosystems is crucial to the health of the environment and the success of the economy.
“They contribute to marine biodiversity, and the aquatic life they support is the foundation of our commercial, recreational and Indigenous fisheries.”
