Nova Scotians Receive International Awards

Several Nova Scotians were presented the international Gulf of Maine Council Visionary Awards today, recognizing their work to protect marine habitat in the Gulf of Maine.

Jon Percy, a marine and terrestrial ecosystems researcher, and the Salmon River Salmon Association, a group educating elementary school students on the life cycles of the Atlantic Salmon, were presented the prestigious awards in Digby by Ernest Fage, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Environment Minister John Chataway.

The Visionary Award is one way for the Gulf of Maine Council to recognize people for their contributions to the Gulf of Maine in the fields of science, education, conservation, or environmental policy.

"Thousands of plants and animals make the Gulf of Maine waters and shoreline home and about 29 different species are found on endangered species lists. We are very fortunate that so many people care about this special area," said Mr. Fage.

Dr. Percy won the Visionary Award in recognition of many years of dedicated scientific research on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, publications on the current state of scientific knowledge of the Bay of Fundy and his involvement with community- based organizations to promote public understanding of scientific principles and ecosystems dynamics.

"Dr. Percy's drive to share his science with others is commendable and inspiring. Making people more aware of the Bay of Fundy and ecosystems is a worthy goal," said Mr. Chataway.

The other award winner, Salmon River Salmon Association, located in Clare, was recognized for its development of an environmental education program for elementary school students on the life cycles of the Atlantic Salmon. This group's extensive volunteer efforts have led to the restoration of the salmon populations in the Salmon, Meteghan and Clare Rivers.

"The Salmon River Association is creating a legacy that teaches and encourages the next generation to be conscientious of the salmon's habitat and life cycle," said Mr. Fage.

The Gulf of Maine, located in the western area of Nova Scotia and stretching up to and including the Bay of Fundy, shares the shorelines of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and three U.S. states, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

In 1989, through the recognized need to protect and conserve resources and ecological balance, the Gulf of Maine Council was formed. Since that time numerous people in both countries have worked together through research, protection measures, management, education and monitoring. Members of the council are represented by the provincial Premiers and Ministers, U.S. Governors and many non-government members.

If you wish to learn more about the Gulf of Maine Council please contact the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at 902-424- 0406.