Queen's University biology professor John Smol is among the 625 Canadian ecologists and scientists calling on Stephen Harper today to abandon plans to remove habitat protections from the Fisheries Act.

Dr. Smol and 624 others have signed and sent a letter to Stephen Harper today urging the government not to change the act to favour of large industrial projects. Some critics say the reported charges -- which came to light from this leaked government document -- may be intended to help Enbridge Inc. get approval to build an oilsands pipeline to the B.C. coast.

“Industrial activities already pose significant risks to fish habitat and many aquatic species, so the government should be strengthening, not weakening the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act. There seems to be a complete disconnect between evidence-based research and policy here" says Dr. Smol.

A copy of the letter to the Prime Minister and the name of all the signees is available upon request.

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