Strategies and actions needed to enhance Prince Edward Island’s recreational fisheries will soon be open to public discussion and input. Today, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry George Webster released the Recreational Fisheries Discussion Paper and website, www.gov.pe.ca/go/fishpolicy, and launched a process to create a recreational fisheries policy for PEI.
“An incredible amount of time and energy are being invested by non-governmental groups across Prince Edward Island into enhancement of the Island’s recreational fisheries,” said Minister Webster. “Although PEI has had various funding programs to assist with this work over the years, to date there has never been an overarching policy to guide this work or these investments.” In recent years, recreational fishing and wildlife groups have offered Government a variety of recommendations on issues such as stocking, enhancement programs and regulatory change. Minister Webster noted that it is difficult to evaluate the sometimes contradictory recommendations without a clear vision for recreational fisheries.
The Discussion Paper provides background on six core issues: angler recruitment, access, habitat restoration and land use, stocking, regulations and future threats. These issues have been identified by anglers themselves, as well as through a number of existing publications and recommendations. Minister Webster noted that this document will serve as the foundation for the upcoming consultations, but is not intended to be limiting. “The public will determine whether these are the important topics to be addressed in a new policy,” he added.
In releasing the Discussion Paper, the Minister also announced that the Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee has agreed to act as host and consultative body for the policy hearings. This non-governmental body was formed in 2005 to advise Government on recreational fisheries issues. Its members include: Steve Cheverie of Souris, Todd Dupuis and Steve Murphy of Charlottetown, John Jamieson of Bonshaw, Daryl Guignion of Desable, Walter MacEwan of Summerside and Dale Cameron of Milburn. Fisheries Biologist Rosanne MacFarlane represents the Department on the committee, which plans to hold public meetings across the Island beginning in the new year. The schedule is available at www.gov.pe.ca/go/fishpolicy.
“Our recreational fishery is tremendously important to Islanders and I believe there is opportunity for enhancement and growth,” said Minister Webster. “Historically, PEI had some of the best fishing anywhere in North America. I believe that we can work together to regain some of what’s been lost and chart a course that will lead to the betterment of our recreational fisheries for all Islanders.”
BACKGROUNDER
Prince Edward Island’s Recreational Fisheries
1. What are recreational fisheries?
Recreational fisheries are those pursued for sport rather than for commercial purposes. Prince Edward Island’s main recreational fish species are Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon.
2. Why is recreational fishing important?
Recreational fishing is an important economic, social and environmental activity on PEI. The Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada (2005) placed its value to the Island economy at more than $4 million annually, and noted it accounts for more than 8,600 nights lodging for non-residents as well as spending of more than $700 per non-resident angler and $500 per resident angler.
Recreational fishing involves some 7,000 Islanders each year as well as more than 600 non-residents. Anglers on PEI spend an average of 22.7 days at this active, outdoor activity, well above the national average of 13.7 days. Fishing is a valued tradition on PEI.
Much of the Island’s community-led environmental work has at its core a group of dedicated anglers. Many of our non-governmental watershed groups started out of a concern for the health of local rivers and fish populations. An average angler volunteers more than 10 days to enhancing recreational fisheries.
3. What is in the Recreational Fishery Discussion Paper?
The Discussion Paper identifies six Critical Issues found in existing documents, comments and recommendations. It poses Key Questions for each issue to help guide discussion, but is not intended to be limiting.
Highlights of the Critical Issues include:
i. Angler Recruitment − Angling is an important activity that connects people to the natural world around them, and many feel there is value in maintaining it. Surveys and license sales show a continued decline in angling participation – for example, on PEI resident angling licenses have dropped nearly 40% over the past decade.
ii. Access − More than 90% of PEI is privately owned and in most cases landowner permission is required to use these areas for recreational purposes. Some anglers feel that, given the large amount of public money invested in river restoration, the public should have access to these areas for angling.
iii. Habitat Restoration and Land Use − Soil erosion has long been identified as a major environmental problem on PEI. Over the years, fisheries enhancement work has evolved from “stream clearing” to broader habitat restoration efforts. Despite all this work, land use still limits stream health and habitat quality in many areas.
iv. Fish Stocking − Adding fish to PEI’s rivers and streams dates back more than 100 years. Unlike the early program, stocking today requires much planning to ensure fish health and regulatory requirements are met. Some anglers support stocking, while others feel the money would be better spent on habitat restoration.
v. Management and Regulations −In recent years, groups active in fisheries enhancement have recommended changes to PEI’s angling regulations to enhance both fish populations and the overall fishing experience. The majority of anglers who responded to a PEI survey did not support the proposed changes.
vi. Future Threats −Those working to enhance recreational fisheries today hope their efforts will last well into the future. To make this happen, future threats −issues such as climate change and invasive species − must be considered and addressed.
4. Why is a recreational fisheries policy needed?
Volunteer groups across the province are investing tremendous amounts of time and energy into fisheries enhancement – in-stream work, tree planting and improved land stewardship practices are all core components. Although PEI has had various funding programs to assist with this work, there has been no umbrella policy to set priorities, guide investment and ensure Government programs complement the efforts of volunteer groups. Both Government and the non-government sector would benefit from the creation of a clear vision for PEI’s recreational fisheries, with supporting goals, strategies and priority actions.
5. How will the public participate in policy development?
The non-governmental Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee will lead the consultations. They will host meetings across PEI over the winter and invite Islanders to offer their comments and recommendations. The Committee will then prepare a report for Government, highlighting the results of the consultations and recommendations for PEI’s first Recreational Fisheries Policy. Government will evaluate this report and draft the policy. This format follows the model used successfully for creation of PEI’s Forest Policy.
6. Where can I find more information about the Recreational Fisheries Policy discussions?
The Discussion Paper can be found at www.gov.pe.ca/go/fishpolicy. This site will also include the consultation schedule, as well as the presentations and papers Islanders submit during the public consultations.