[Media Advisory] National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress

OFAH FILE: 842
May 23, 2012

National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress
Experts from across North America to discuss conservation of fish and wildlife in a changing world

Ottawa—For the first time ever, experts from Canada and the US will gather in our nation’s capital to discuss how best to manage fish and wildlife resources into the future. Speakers will include scientists, biologists, conservation organizations, academics and key policy makers from both sides of the border, and will engage delegates in discussions around the future of vital fish and wildlife populations with the goal of establishing recommendations for the future protection of these valuable natural resources.

Topics will include invasive species; fish and wildlife diseases; the socio-economic impact of fishing and hunting; the role of science versus public opinion in policy decisions; species restoration and protection; monitoring, assessment and management of natural resources and related topics. More than 100 presenters will deliver papers on subjects as diverse as Why the Conservation of Fish and Wildlife should be a national priority; Managing in the Face of Uncertainty; An International Perspective on Sustainable Use; Building Public Acceptance for Sustainable Use of Wildlife; Energy Development and Impacts on Fish and Wildlife Populations; the Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears; Invasive Species in the Great Lakes; Cross Border Partnerships for Landscape Conservation; and How Much Habitat is Enough? The full Congress program is available online at www.nfwcc.com.

The primary outcome of the four-day event will be the creation of twenty-five recommendations based on workshops looking at five key areas: 1) strengthening and expanding support for fish and wildlife conservation, 2) programs and institutions, 3) laws and policies, 4) best science and planning and 5) funding. These recommendations will be presented during the Thursday morning plenary session when both the federal Environment Minister and Minister of Fisheries and Oceans will address the delegates.

Date: May 27-31, 2012
Place: The Westin Ottawa (hotel), Ottawa

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) is leading the Congress, in partnership with Shane Mahoney at Conservation Force and over twenty major partners from across North America, including Ducks Unlimited Canada, Boone and Crockett, Wildlife Habitat Canada and the Wild Sheep Foundation.

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