Recommendations for the long-term sustainability of Prince Edward island’s freshwater fishery were made public today with the release of a report prepared by the P.E.I. Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee.
The report, “Fostering a Quality and Sustainable Angling Experience in Prince Edward Island,” contains recommendations aimed at ensuring that recreational fish populations and fish habitat are stable and healthy for future generations of anglers on Prince Edward Island.
In preparing the report, members of a volunteer committee drew on input from public meetings held across Prince Edward Island over the winter months as well as written submissions and advice from experts. The public meetings followed the release of a discussion paper that focused on key questions raised in terms of angler recruitment, access, habitat restoration and land use, stocking, regulations and future threats. The answers to these issues form the basis of the final report.
Steve Cheverie, spokesman for the Committee, said that he was impressed with the interest, knowledge and concern expressed by anglers. “Participants shared a concern about the sport fishery and, in particular, the habitat that supports it. The quality of Island waterways was repeatedly the top priority of those participating in the public consultation process,” he said.
The report makes a number of recommendations on how to improve participation in angling, a sport which is experiencing a decline in numbers of people participating. Mentoring programs, sale of short-term licenses, improved education and outreach programs, and the creation of new fishing opportunities are just some suggestions on how to get more people out on the rivers. Many anglers will be interested in recommendations regarding season and catch regulations. Some of the recommendations include a reduction in the creel limit from ten to eight trout per day, the adoption of river specific management, and the promotion of barbless hooks. The Committee also recommends that Government commit long-term funding to a fish stocking program.
“This report represents a lot of work and thought from the committee, from anglers and conservationists and from the people who came out to public meetings. Government is going to rely on this advice in making future decisions on how best to manage Prince Edward Island’s recreational fisheries,” said George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
Recreational fisheries are those pursued by individuals for sport rather than for commercial purposes although it has significant economic benefit to Prince Edward Island.
The Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada (2005) placed angling’s 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.
Prince Edward Island’s main freshwater recreational fish species are Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon. 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.
“It is no wonder Islanders are concerned about the future of recreational fisheries,” said Minister Webster.
Copies of the report are available on-line at www.gov.pe.ca/go/anglingreport .