April 23, 2014 - Québec, Québec

Quebec City, Quebec – In recognition for his outstanding contribution to promoting recreational fishing in Quebec, Pierre Manseau was presented with a 2014 National Recreational Fisheries Award on April 17, 2014.

Pierre has set a superb example for others working to improve recreational fisheries. His contributions to Atlantic salmon protection and promotion in recreational fisheries are impressive. He has been a devoted advocate for Atlantic salmon for more than 30 years.  At the age of 19, he became a founding member of the St. Lawrence Sport Fishermen’s Association and served as its president at crucial periods in its development. 

In the early 2000s, he joined the Quebec Atlantic Salmon Federation (FQSA) as Vice President of Sport Fishing to actively defend the management of Atlantic salmon in Quebec.

In 2007, Pierre organized a mentorship program with an objective of bringing well-known people in the Quebec salmon fishery in contact with those who might have an interest in salmon fishing. He encouraged a new generation of recreational anglers to participate in fishing by taking them on weekend fishing trips. The success of the program has continued, attracting more participants and mentors every year. The popularity of the recreational salmon fishery is growing by the day, thanks to the visionary efforts of people like Pierre Manseau.

Quick Facts

• Canada’s National Recreational Fisheries Awards were created in 1989 to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in areas such as recreational community leadership, restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat or promoting conservation and sustainable recreational fishing.
• Recreational fishing represents an important economic, social and cultural contribution to Canada. According to the most recent survey on recreational fishing in Canada, recreational fishing contributes approximately $8.3 billion to local economies across Canada. Approximately 3.3 million adult anglers take part in recreational fisheries each year, including over 400,000 tourists who come to Canada to fish every year.
• As part of Economic Action Plans 2013 and 2014, the Government of Canada is investing $25 million in its new Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. Under this program, the Government of Canada partners with local groups to implement a variety of projects that restore, rebuild or rehabilitate recreational fisheries habitat.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to recognize dedicated volunteers for their outstanding commitment to conservation of resources and to recreational fishing. Their efforts to protect fish and fish habitat and to promote recreational angling help preserve our important resources for future generations to enjoy. I offer my sincere congratulations to Pierre Manseau for his outstanding contribution to recreational fishing in Canada.”

The Honourable Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"It is a great privilege to receive this award from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. I would sincerely like to thank the Quebec Atlantic Salmon Federation for honouring me with the nomination. Over the last few years, the various programs promoting salmon sport fishing that have been put in place such as "Mentorat-Découverte" have helped recruit a significant number of new salmon fishers, and I sincerely hope that these initiatives continue."

Pierre Manseau
Recipient of the 2014 National Recreational Fisheries Award