Adopt-A-Stream

Community groups are getting some help in their fight against the continuous deterioration of fish habitat. Human activities on the land and in watercourses have led to lower fish populations in watersheds across the province. The Adopt-A-Stream Program, administered by the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, is good news for our natural habitat, and ultimately, good news for many rural economies.

The $2.32 million project will provide funding and advice for restoration projects for the province's waterways. The salmon association in partnership with local community based groups will match funding provided by the federal and provincial governments under the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification, up to $1.16 million.

Economic Development and Tourism minister, Manning MacDonald said the health of the province's streams and lakes has a lot riding on it. "There are as many as 100,000 anglers in Nova Scotia, and the sportfishery is worth in excess of $82 million. While the Adopt-A-Stream program itself will provide the equivalent of 104 full-time jobs, it will have a much broader impact on the rural economy, from the sales of supplies and materials to the tourism industry."

"We're happy to support volunteer groups in their efforts to improve and restore local waterways," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia. "Maintaining a natural balance is key to the health and vitality of the province's streams, and to its ability to offer an attractive sport fishing component to its tourism industry."

So far 17 Adopt-A-Stream projects have been approved by the Nova Scotia Salmon Association from Digby County to Sydney, restoring about 150,000 square metres of habitat. Amy Weston, the salmon association's Adopt-A-Stream program manager, is pleased with response to the program so far. "There is a lot of enthusiasm and dedication in community groups to contribute to their environment and to their local economy," she said.

"Volunteers are putting a lot of time and effort into making significant improvement to their waterways."

Habitat degradation is considered one of the major causes of fish population decline. Recent research completed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada shows the significant long-term biological and economic benefits that can be derived from freshwater fish habitat improvement. Adopt-A-Stream projects will include improvement of stream channel dynamics, restoration of spawning and juvenile rearing habitats, and re-establishing riparian (stream banks, lake shores) areas.

The program encourages and assists community-based volunteer groups interested in improving and restoring local waterways. Habitat can be improved for any sport fish species, however, salmon and trout species have been shown to benefit most significantly.

"When the fishing is good, people come from all over to Cumberland County. Local merchants, bed and breakfast operators and restaurants really benefit. In years when the fishing is poor, there are a lot fewer people on the river and the local economy noticeably suffers," said Peter Gay, Cumberland County River Enhancement Association, and owner-operator of Riverview Cottages in Parrsboro.

"We need to keep the resource in good shape, because good habitat creates a good fishery. The project money from Adopt-A-Stream is critical as it will allow us to get a lot of necessary work done in many of the watersheds. Restoration projects also raise the visibility of angling opportunities in our community, and rejuvenates local involvement in managing and looking after our river resources."