The art of angling may be nearly timeless, but the process of buying a fishing license is about to enter the information age.
Beginning this week, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will be selling licenses for the 2008 fishing season over the Internet. Anyone wanting to buy one of these e-licenses can go to the government of Prince Edward Island Internet page at http://www.gov.pe.ca/envengfor/index.php3?number=1021616. Buyers will need to have a major credit card and a computer with a printer and Internet hook-up.
“Fishing season, especially the first fishing trip of the year, is an annual tradition that helps people across this province enjoy some time in the wild areas of Prince Edward Island. By making licenses easily accessible on-line, we hope to see more Islanders than ever take the time to experience some of the peaceful natural beauty of this province,” said George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
The 2008 fishing licenses will continue to be available at Access PEI offices and at retailers across the province.
Trout angling licenses cost $10 but are available free to people over the age of 65. All licensed anglers must also purchase a Wildlife Conservation Fund Licence which is $13 for seniors and $20 for other adults. Funds from this licence go directly to community-led conservation projects which protect the Island’s natural environment.
Because of an August 2007 fish kill incident that affected two popular Island rivers last year, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is imposing some restrictions on fishing for the 2008 season in order to allow fish stocks to recover.
The east branch of the Tryon River will be closed to all angling in 2008.
Angling will be permitted on the Dunk River, but will be catch-and-release only, using barbless lures and flies. No bait will be permitted.
The recovery of both the Dunk River and Tryon River systems will be monitored this year before decisions are made on regulations for the 2009 angling season.