O.F.A.H. sees red over cuts to fish habitat enforcement

O.F.A.H. sees red over cuts to fish habitat enforcement

Who will protect fish habitat in Ontario?

That’s the question being raised by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters upon receiving a number of disturbing reports that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has pulled the plug on its environmental law enforcement budget and is preparing to abandon ship in Ontario.

The O.F.A.H. has learned that 80 Department of Fisheries and Oceans enforcement positions may be eliminated across Canada, with the majority of positions being cut in the central Ontario and Arctic region. O.F.A.H. sources say that 89.2-percent of D.F.O.’s enforcement presence in Ontario may be lost as a result of recent federal budget cutbacks.

There are currently 56 Department of Fisheries and Oceans enforcement officers that serve to protect Ontario’s 250,000-plus inland waters from habitat destruction, but it’s reported that 50 of those positions will soon be lost.

“How are six officers supposed to patrol an area that is now covered by 56? What does this say about the federal government’s ability to protect our valuable natural resources and the commitment of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to apprehend environmental lawbreakers?” asked Greg Farrant, O.F.A.H. Government Relations Manager.

In a letter to Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the O.F.A.H., representing 78,000 members and 640 member clubs, has expressed shock at federal government budget cuts that will seriously compromise habitat research, protection and enforcement.

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