New Canadian Commissioner for the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization

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The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans of Canada (DFO), Geoff Regan, announced the appointment of J.W. Bud Bird as a Canadian Commissioner to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO). Mr. Bird will replace Chief George Ginnish.

Bud Bird is very knowledgeable about fisheries issues, particularly Atlantic salmon, and he understands the complex challenges Canada and its international partners face in managing these important fish stocks," said Minister Regan. "His experience will be a tremendous asset to the Canadian delegation at NASCO."

"I would also like to thank Chief George Ginnish for his contribution and his dedicated service to the organization."

Mr. Bird has been a director of the Atlantic Salmon Federation since 1982, and has been involved with the Miramichi Salmon Association since 1996. He was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Salmon Conservation in New Brunswick in 2004. As Minister of Natural Resources for the Province of New Brunswick, he was responsible for administering the Fish and Wildlife Act. He has also served as Member of Parliament for Fredericton-York-Sunbury. In 2001, Mr. Bird was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

NASCO was established in 1984 to provide for the conservation, restoration, enhancement and rational management of Atlantic salmon stocks. Its member countries are Canada, Denmark (in respect of the Faroe Islands and Greenland), the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Russia and the United States. Canadian Commissioners provide views to DFO, report on meetings and contribute to maintaining consensus among Atlantic salmon interests. Canada is a member of the North American Commission and the West Greenland Commission, and is an observer on the North East Atlantic Commission.