Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery
Launched in 2012, the Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery raises indigenous fish species to restock Island rivers. This important work stems from a critical element of Mi’kmaq culture – the obligation to give back to the environment. The hatchery boasts a restocking program that operates under the Abegweit First Nation Fisheries and Natural Resources program. Currently, brook trout and Atlantic salmon are raised at the facility, which is located in Scotchfort, Prince Edward Island.
The Hatchery releases approximately 100,000 fish into Island rivers and streams each year, split fairly equally between the two species. Through this restocking program, we are furthering the recreational fishery and thus tourism.
Ecosystem Health Care
The Abegweit Conservation Society is dedicated to improving the health of the Island’s ecosystems that support fish and other indigenous species. Through a range of activities, often in partnership with watershed and other community groups, the Society is enhancing the biodiversity critical to maintaining habitats and ecosystems and restoring a precious balance for today and the future.
Some activities, which will be undertaken by Society staff and volunteers, are: managing barriers to fish passage, coordinating replacement or removal of dysfunctional road crossings, rehabilitating spawning habitat for multiple aquatic species, monitoring water quality within identified watercourses, removing and remediating invasive plant species, and stabilizing stream banks.
Forestry
Today, some 16,000 Aboriginal people are engaged in every aspect of our country’s forestry sector. Under the Government of Canada’s Aboriginal Forestry Initiative (AFI), we are enhancing Aboriginal participation in the competitive and sustainable transformation of Canada’s forests. Through its Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada leads this initiative that links 15 government departments and regional agencies and empowers Aboriginal entrepreneurs in the forest sector, largely through facilitating knowledge exchange and coordination of federal and other support to Aboriginal forestry projects and partnerships.
Aspects of our forestry work include: sustainable harvesting, medicinal remedies, ecotourism, and promotion of non-timber forest products (e.g., maple syrup). We also co-manage 800 acres of woodland in partnership with the PEI Department of Communities, Land and Environment.