Gulf of Maine Action Plan Released

A plan to protect ecosystems and marine habitats around the Gulf of Maine was announced during the annual Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy awards celebration in Halifax.

The Gulf of Maine Action Plan, released by Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, outlines three primary goals for the next five years. The objectives are protection of coastal and marine habitats, water pollution prevention and support for more prosperous communities in and around the Gulf of Maine.

"We've worked hard to develop a comprehensive action plan with goals and objectives that will ensure tangible results," said Mr. Parent. "The action plan will make a positive difference to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that surround them."

Awards were also given out in four categories to Nova Scotians being honored for their conservation efforts.

The Gulf of Maine Council visionary and group awards were presented by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ron Chisholm.

"As Nova Scotians, we are very lucky to live so close to the ocean and be able to enjoy these wonderful natural resources," said Mr. Chisholm. "It is because of the number of individuals and organizations dedicated to the conservation of our coast that we have such a pristine environment."

Clifford Drysdale was awarded the Gulf of Maine Council Visionary Individual Award. The Middleton resident founded the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute as a community-based research centre in southwestern Nova Scotia. It focuses on sustainable land management.

The Nova Scotia Coastal Communities Network in New Glasgow received the Visionary Group Award for establishing a volunteer community network for coastal and rural communities. The organization brings concerns and realities of these communities to government.

Mr. Parent presented the Bay of Fundy Awards to Ms. Andi Rierden and the Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership.

Ms. Rierden, former editor of the Gulf of Maine Times, was awarded the Bay of Fundy Award for Environmental Education and Awareness. The Annapolis Royal resident was recognized for dedication and commitment to the Gulf of Maine program and the promotion of marine issues.

The Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership in Parrsboro was awarded the business award for dedication and commitment to the development of environmentally responsible tourism guidelines and principles.

"It gives me great pride to celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups who've made a contribution to environmental stewardship," said Mr. Parent. "I thank all the recipients for their commitment and dedication to the protection and enhancement of the environment."

The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment was established in 1989 by the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine to foster co-operation in the gulf watershed.

The council's mission is to maintain and enhance environmental quality in the gulf, and to ensure existing and future generations use the resource in a sustainable way.