Fleming Fish Hatchery Technologist recognized for conservation efforts
Muskies Canada has presented the 2016 Wachelka Conservation Award to Fleming College Fish Hatchery Technologist Mark Newell.
Mike Walsh, Chairperson of the Kawartha Lakes Chapter of Muskies Canada presented Newell with his award in a special ceremony that took place Thursday at Fleming’s Frost Campus. This is the first time the award has been given to someone outside of Muskies Canada.
Newell was recognized for his contributions to the Lake Simcoe Muskellunge Restoration Project, which is the only genetically wild stock musky program in North America.
“Mark has demonstrated numerous times to the many partners he interacts with that the success of the program requires time and commitment well beyond what could possibly be recognized in a normal work week,” said Walsh.
In addition to raising the wild stock at the college and educating the next generation to carry on this important work, Newell has presented at evening meetings with both the Barrie and Kawartha Chapters of Muskies Canada, conducted evening tours of the hatchery for Muskies Canada members to view the fingerlings prior to their release, assisted with fundraising programs such as the Adopt-A-Muskie effort, and has advised on stocking assessment techniques that did not previously exist, said Walsh.
“This project is a wonderful collaboration between multiple partners, it has the positive goal of restoring a piece of Ontario’s natural heritage to its historical state, and it provides the unique opportunity for Fleming students to participate in hands-on training, performing real work on a real world project. It’s easy for me to go that extra distance when there is so much positive to be accomplished,” said Newell.
“I am extremely gratified by the individual recognition this award represents to me specifically, but I must give credit where it is due and recognize the contributions of all our team members here at Fleming, in particular the bright, engaged and dedicated students that work with me in the hatchery. We couldn’t do what we do without student participation,” he added.
About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton, and Cobourg. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Science, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 68,000 alumni.
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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370
