Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment, reminds all anglers that the 1998 angling season opens Wednesday, April 15. New this year is the requirement for all anglers over the age of 16 years to contribute to the recently announced Wildlife Conservation Fund. Revenue generated from the $13 conservation fee will support the production of trout and salmon at the Cardigan Hatchery for stocking into the Province's watercourses as well as other worthy conservation initiatives. The new conservation fee applies only to the first licence purchased in each fiscal year. Angling licences are now available at the usual locations.
"We all have a role to play to ensure the future of our sport fisheries. This includes not littering, being conscious of open fires, showing respect for fellow anglers and conservation staff, and respecting private property and landowners. With the establishment of the new Wildlife Conservation Fund, anglers are now able to directly contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the wildlife they derive benefit from," noted Mr. MacAdam.
Measures designed to conserve and enhance fish stocks include regulations such as a prohibition on the practice of chumming and the use of fish eggs as bait, a daily limit of 10 trout of which not more than one may be greater than 40 centimeters and the use of barbless hooks for salmon angling after the close of the trout season. Mr. MacAdam encouraged anglers to respect the regulations and report those that don't. He also encouraged anglers to wear a life preserver if fishing from a boat.
New this year are special regulations for Trout River, Coleman. The daily trout is being reduced to 6, while the angling season for trout will conclude on September 1st. These new regulations are being introduced on a trial basis, noted Mr. MacAdam. All other angling regulations remain the same as those in place for the 1997 season for all waters of the Province.
Mr. MacAdam concluded by noting that the angling summary provides useful information and that if clarification on any point is required, anglers are encouraged to contact the Fish and Wildlife Division or a conservation officer.