Government of Canada Announces $5 Million for Weather Station and Conservation on Sable Island

Market Wire, June, 2008

Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, today announced $5 million in new funding for five years for a weather station and conservation on Sable Island, a unique and treasured ecosystem for Nova Scotians and Canadians. The announcement is part of the Government of Canada's Action Plan for Clean Water and its investment of $61.5 million over 5 years to improve the health of our oceans.

"We believe that it is in the best interest of Canadians to ensure that Sable Island is preserved for generations to come and we are providing important funding for its long-term conservation," said Minister Baird. "Today's announcement is further proof of our Government's commitment to protecting and preserving our environment in Atlantic Canada."

This initiative includes a five-year commitment to maintaining four employees on Sable Island. The funding will be used to support weather monitoring operations, including collecting meteorological data to be used for producing marine and coastal weather warnings, and providing support to climate change monitoring research.

The initiative will also take action to protect the island's fragile ecosystem, including maintaining habitat, managing the responsible use of the island by visitors, and providing a safe refuge for people during offshore and other emergency situations. This work will contribute to the eventual designation of Sable Island as a National Wildlife Area.

Sable Island is a unique and fragile ecosystem of sand dunes, grassy fields, heath and freshwater ponds. The island has diverse flora and fauna. It is the only breeding ground of the rare Ipswich Sparrow, and is also home to small breeding numbers of the threatened species, the Roseate Tern.

Egalement offert en francais

Contacts: Office of the Minister of the Environment Eric Richler Press Secretary 819-997-1441 Environment Canada Media Relations 819-934-8008 1-888-908-8008