A majority of New Brunswickers want the provincial government to set new targets for protected areas.
That is according to a new survey conducted for the Atlantic Salmon Federation and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).
Two-thirds of respondents said New Brunswick should contribute to the federal goal of protecting 30 per cent of land and freshwater by 2030.
In 2022, New Brunswick announced it had increased its protected areas from 4.9 per cent to 10 per cent.
“It’s clear that people are united in their love for nature and want more of it protected,” said Roberta Clowater, executive director of CPAWS in New Brunswick.
“New Brunswickers expect provincial leaders to work with all levels of government and do even more to protect the rivers, forests, and coastal waters that support communities and wildlife.”
This is the third in a series of surveys on nature conducted by the two organizations since 2020.
Officials said results have remained consistent over time and the most recent survey illustrates how broad support for wildlife and protected areas is in New Brunswick.
“When you look at our polling results, you see that nature protection is consistently supported across all demographics for New Brunswickers,” said Clowater.
“Whether they are young voters or older citizens, French or English speaking, as one voice, they come together, overwhelmingly, in favour or more protection.”
Four in five people who responded to the survey said it is important to protect habitat for cold-water species like trout and salmon.
Kristen Noel, communications director for the Atlantic Salmon Federation, said the province’s waterways are under pressure from deforestation, climate change, and other threats.
“The best way to keep water cold, clean, and healthy for fish is by protecting the most important places in our watersheds,” she said.
You can view the detailed survey results here.
