National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and its partners are hosting Canada's first National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress that will be held at the Westin Ottawa, May 27-31, 2012.

Today's healthy abundance of fish and wildlife populations did not happen by chance. They are the result of ideas and actions taken in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by leading conservationists, many of them hunters and anglers in their own right. At a time when there were no game laws, no seasons, no limits, no public agencies or conservation organizations, no funding mechanisms, university programs, enforcement officers or fish and wildlife science, it was anglers and hunters who helped to create the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

Fishing and hunting are core values for tens of millions of people in North America. In Canada these activities contribute over $10 billion annually in socio-economic benefit, while in the U.S. the total is $42 billion. Revenues derived from hunting and fishing licenses or tariffs on related products and services provide hundreds of millions annually in support of fish and wildlife management on both sides of the border. Seven provinces, one territory and over a dozen states have passed legislation recognizing hunting and fishing as heritage activities, and the Canadian government is poised to establish an annual National Heritage Hunting and Fishing Day, which will mirror a similar event in the U.S. that was established in 1972.

Optimizing the benefits from our fish and wildlife resources has never been more challenging for resource managers, biologists, scientists and anglers and hunters.

The National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Congress will showcase contemporary fish and wildlife restoration programs such as Eastern elk, Atlantic salmon, wild turkey and lake trout, and will present the latest research, assessment and management techniques for species such as Sandhill cranes and walleye. Resolution of challenges that include wildlife and agriculture conflicts, fisheries and aquaculture, the threat of new diseases, the impact of alien invasive species and species at risk will also be a core focus of the Congress. The role of science versus public opinion in policy decisions that affect fish and wildlife, the need for governments on both sides of the border to address funding shortfalls and reinvestment in natural resources, the introduction of policy and legislative changes to address threats to fish and wildlife populations and core recognition of sustainable use as an essential principle of conservation will also be discussed.

This first ever Canadian Congress will bring together leading fish and wildlife scientists, government leaders, federal, provincial, state and local fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations and anglers and hunters to participate in plenary sessions, workshops, discussions and debates about the future of fish and wildlife resources in North America. If you manage or study fish and game populations, are involved in the outdoor community or your lifestyle depends on the sustainable use of fish and wildlife populations, you will want to join us in Ottawa, May 27 – 31, 2012.

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