Saltwater sport fishing licence being considered
The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is once again considering implementing a saltwater sport fishing licence for anglers. This licence has been talked about for many years, but this time it looks like it may become a reality.
Anglers in British Columbia have been purchasing a sport fishing licence when fishing in saltwater for many years, so I expect it was just a matter of time before one would be implemented on the East Coast. Present plans call for the licence to be free initially, but a fee may be charged at some point in the future.
Initial discussions regarding a marine sport fishing licence began in 2001, and pilot projects – which included licences and tags for groundfish – ran from 2001 to 2005 in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Quebec. Further discussions were held in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2016 resulting in the latest round of consultations leading up to a possible licence throughout Atlantic Canada in 2018.
From the information available from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the proposed saltwater licence will initially apply to groundfish, mackerel and striped bass. The main reasons the department suggests a marine licence is required are the need to collect information on the catch and effort in the saltwater sport fishery to help in-stock assessment, and to ensure fish stocks are managed in a sustainable manner. While some stocks, such as cod off Newfoundland, and striped bass here in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, are felt to be recovering concerns also exist that other fish species, such as mackerel, aren’t doing as well. From the information provided, no plans are in the works to require anglers to use tags in the saltwater fishery, and the licence would cover the period from April 1 until March 31.
Consultations are being held in the province for people who want to comment on the proposed licence. Unfortunately, none are scheduled in our area, but meetings are planned in Dartmouth at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography on July 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and in Sydney on July 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. However, there are other options if you want to learn more about this proposed licence, or want to add your comments to the discussion. Comments may be submitted via email to DFO in the Gulf Region to frederic. butruille@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Specifically, DFO wants to receive feedback from anglers on several aspects of the proposed licence. These include options regarding a potential fee, as well as types and categories of fees and when they may be implemented. Initially the licence would only apply to groundfish, striped bass and mackerel, but DFO wants to know if other marine species should be included. Also, on the West Coast, the marine recreational licence is issued online, so a similar system may be considered here on the East Coast.
No one is likely to welcome another licence, and possibly a fee, for an activity we have enjoyed for free for many years. However, if the result is better information for fisheries management, and a realization by government of how important the marine sport fishery is to the economy of Eastern Canada, then it would be money well spent.