The Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has announced the 2001 angling season will open a day earlier this year to give families the opportunity to take part in opening day.
The season opens Saturday, April 14.
Speaking in the Legislature today, Minister Chester Gillan said his department is placing increased emphasis this year on attracting youth to the sport fishery.
"We want to get off to a good start by giving young people the chance to experience the excitement of opening day," the Minister said. "Fishing has always been a favourite pastime for many Islanders - an opportunity to escape the hectic pace of life and enjoy the peace and solitude of nature. We want to ensure that tradition is carried on by the next generation."
Angling licences will be available later this week at Access PEI sites and from vendors across the province. All anglers 16 years of age and older must be in possession of an angling licence, as well as a valid Wildlife Conservation Fund permit.
Through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, Minister Gillan noted, anglers are contributing directly to the maintenance and enhancement of the wildlife resources from which they derive so much enjoyment.
A portion of the funds from the Wildlife Conservation Fund supports the Cardigan Fish Hatchery and its production of trout and salmon in support of public fisheries. As well, close to 100 community-led conservation projects have been completed with funding from the Wildlife Conservation Fund. Last year, funding support went to the O'Leary Wildlife Federation for a children's fishing pond, and the Souris Wildlife Federation for a stream water temperature monitoring project, while the Hunter/Clyde Watershed Group was among the many groups that received funding for vital stream restoration work.
"That is just a small sample of the many worthwhile projects anglers have made possible through their contributions to the Wildlife Conservation Fund," said Minister Gillan.
As opening day approaches, the Minister encourages anglers to respect the regulations in place to protect the future of the sport fishery; to respect the environment; and to respect the water and exercise caution when out fishing, particularly in the early days of the season when it appears there will still be ice on the water.
The 2001 Angling Summary, which will be available at all licence vendors later this week, is an excellent source of information on relevant regulations, fishing ethics, and safety tips. If anglers have any questions, they are encouraged to contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Fish and Wildlife Division, at 368-4683, or speak to their local conservation officer.