Investing in Atlantic Salmon Recovery: FCAS Positioned as a Proven Model for Fair and Effective Fund Distribution

News Release

For Immediate Release

Fredericton, New Brunswick – April 1st, 2026 – The Foundation for the
Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS) applauds the Government of Canada’s announcement of an $81.7 million investment over five years to stabilize and rebuild wild Atlantic salmon populations. This funding, part of Canada’s broader $3.8 billion nature conservation strategy, will support targeted habitat restoration across up to 10,000 km² of Atlantic salmon habitat and monitoring initiatives in approximately 50 rivers.

Announced under Prime Minister Mark Carney and Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, this commitment marks a significant step forward in implementing Canada’s national Atlantic salmon strategy, launched last year.

FCAS, a Canadian non-advocacy charitable organization, recognizes that this investment reflects the profound cultural, economic, and traditional importance of Atlantic salmon to Indigenous and watershed communities across Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

A Proven Model for Impact

Atlantic salmon recovery is achievable. Despite ongoing challenges—including climate change, habitat degradation, and changing ocean conditions—success stories across the region demonstrate that targeted investment and collaborative action deliver measurable results.

Since its establishment in 2007 with support from the Government of Canada, FCAS has developed a strong track record of delivering effective, transparent, and science-based conservation funding. Working closely with Indigenous and local stewardship groups, FCAS has awarded $19.5 million to 1,034 projects, including scientific research and on-the-ground habitat restoration initiatives.

This experience positions FCAS as a ready and proven model to help ensure that new federal investments are distributed wisely, fairly, and efficiently across Atlantic provinces and Quebec—maximizing ecological impact while strengthening local capacity. 

A Collaborative Path Forward

FCAS remains committed to working in partnership with the Government of Canada and a broad network of conservation leaders to advance Atlantic salmon recovery. Key partners such as Indigenous organizations, including the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs (APC), the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and provincial and regional organizations such as the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, New Brunswick Salmon Council, Salmon Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island Watershed Alliance, and the Fédération québécoise pour le saumon atlantique, among others.

This collaborative approach—uniting government, Indigenous leadership, and community-based conservation organizations—is essential to halting and reversing the decline of Atlantic salmon populations.

A National Conservation Priority
As Atlantic salmon face unprecedented environmental pressures, FCAS stands alongside Canada’s conservation community in supporting bold, coordinated action to protect this iconic species and ensure its future for generations to come.

About FCAS
The Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS) is dedicated to protecting and restoring wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems they depend on. Since its establishment in 2007, FCAS has worked in close partnership with communities, Indigenous organizations, researchers, and governments to advance sustainable, science-based solutions across Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Through strategic funding, collaborative research, and targeted advocacy, FCAS supports projects that deliver measurable conservation outcomes on the ground. By fostering innovation and shared stewardship, the Foundation is helping to secure a resilient future for this iconic species and the watersheds that sustain it—for generations to come.

Media Contact:
Charline McCoy, Executive Director
Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon
Phone: (506) 455-9900
Email: charline@salmonconservation.ca