Results of a national recreational fishing survey released today show a significant decline in the number of licensed resident anglers in Prince Edward Island.
The 2000 Recreational Fishing Survey of Canada was conducted by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in cooperation with provincial and territorial departments.
In Prince Edward Island, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Chester Gillan said the number of resident anglers dropped 25 per cent between 1995, when the last survey was taken, and 2000. During the same period, the average age of anglers in PEI went from 41 to 45.
"While disappointing, the results did not come as a surprise. We knew that the number of anglers had been declining in PEI, as is the trend across the country," said Minister Gillan. "That is why we have taken steps the last few years to encourage a new generation of Islanders to take up the sport of fishing. Over time, I am hopeful we can reverse the trend."
Minister Gillan said efforts to promote angling have included kids' fishing derbies, an annual "free" family fishing weekend, habitat enhancement through the Wildlife Conservation Fund and the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program, and stocking Glenfinnan and O'Keefe Lakes for not only spring/summer/fall fishing, but also ice fishing in winter.
"We will continue these efforts and we will work with community and wildlife organizations to find other creative ways to encourage Islanders to discover the enjoyment that comes with a day of fishing," the Minister added.
Among the other interesting findings of the 2000 Recreational Fishing Survey of Canada in Prince Edward Island:
• the percentage of women anglers dropped from 16.8% to 9.1% between 1995 and 2000;
• the average number of days fished per angler remained the same but the total number of days fished dropped from just under 200,000 to 143,000 because there were fewer anglers;
• approximately 850 Island anglers spent 12, 980 volunteer days on tasks such as stream enhancement in 2000;
• the PEI results mirror the national situation where the number of anglers dropped 14%, the number of women fishing declined 14%, the average age of anglers increased from 43 to 45, and the total number of days fished dropped by almost 14%.
Minister Gillan said the survey also measured the economic impact of the recreational fishery in Prince Edward Island. Approximately $3.6 million in spending was directly attributable to the recreational fishery. Anglers spent $1.6 million on major purchases including fishing, boating or camping equipment, vehicles, and land or buildings; and another $2 million on such items as food, travel and fishing supplies, and boating supplies.
"The survey clearly underlines the value of recreational fishing from an economic standpoint. Of course, we also recognize its value in terms of healthy lifestyles. Fishing is an ideal way to escape the stresses of today's fast-paced world and enjoy quality time with family," Minister Gillan said.
Minister Gillan said the results of the 2000 survey and future surveys will provide direction for the department as it continues efforts to promote angling. The 2000 Recreational Fishing Survey was the sixth such survey. They have been conducted every five years starting in 1975.
Summary tables of the survey results will be available next week online at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca (select statistics). The final report will be released in October.