Feb. 2, 2007

FREDERICTON (CNB) - Environment Minister Roland Haché and Natural Resources Minister Donald Arseneault acknowledged that today, February 2, is World Wetlands Day - a day that is celebrated annually, by government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups, in recognition of the importance of our wetlands.

"This is a day to raise public awareness regarding the importance and benefits of wetlands and to promote conservation," Haché said.

This year's international theme is 'Fish for Tomorrow', in acknowledgment of the importance of fish and fisheries to all people. This theme is one that touches almost everyone, because healthy and functional inland and coastal wetlands play a very important role in the management and conservation of our fish resources.

Wetlands and the plants they support are the best water filters nature has to offer. They also provide spawning grounds for fish, and they serve as rest areas and homes for a variety of plant and animal species.

"The province recognizes the importance of New Brunswick's wetlands, and supports efforts to protect them," Arsenault said.

In New Brunswick, there are many wetlands covering more than 377,378 hectares, or about five per cent of New Brunswick's land base. Of these, Mary's Point, Shepody Bay and Tabusintac Lagoon and River Estuary are three Wetlands of International Importance. In Canada, there are 37 of these sites, with a surface area totalling over 13 million hectares.