The Minister of Technology and Environment is pleased with the grade Prince Edward Island recently received in regard to the protection of endangered species. Mitch Murphy, Minister of Technology and Environment notes this grade is a significant increase from where the province was only two years ago.
"While we are pleased to receive the third highest grade given out and will continue to work toward improving that grade, our main motivation is the protection of endangered species and that work is ongoing. The grades given out are based solely on a legislative basis and do not reflect other continuing activities related to the protection of species at risk," said Minister Murphy.
By focusing on legislation only, the report ignores that protecting species and improving their status is also dependent on the cooperation and support of landowners and the general public. "The major cause of species endangerment is habitat loss and with approximately 90% of Prince Edward Island privately, not publicly owned, preserving habitat presents ongoing challenges," said Minister Murphy. "Success in this area depends on our ability to convince landowners that the use and enjoyment of their property will not be compromised by considering the needs of wildlife."
The Wildlife Conservation Act was passed last September, giving government the authority to define species at risk and to list species as endangered, threatened and vulnerable. It also gives government the authority to designate particular areas as habitat for threatened or endangered species.
Since the introduction of the Wildlife Conservation Act, the Island Nature Trust has been retained to compile an inventory of species endangerment on the Island. The inventory is nearing completion and the information it provides will serve as a foundation for the province to identify what species are present, where endangered species occur, as well as an understanding of what is contributing to their identified status. "This inventory will serve as the benchmark for measuring our progress in arresting and reversing species endangerment in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Murphy.