News Release Archive
FISHERIES--ATLANTIC CANADA ANGLING DAYS ----------------------------------------------------------------- Whether you're a die-hard angler or if you just want to discover the joys of sportfishing, the upcoming Nova Scotia Sportfishing Weekend is for you. Nova Scotia Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse announced that the province will be celebrating and promoting sportfishing through a weekend of free fishing and other activities on June 8 and 9. "This is the second year for the promotion and I encourage families and Nova Scotians of all ages to get out and enjoy fishing and Nova Scotia's great outdoors," said Mr. Barkhouse. Residents may fish without a general licence for the two days, but a salmon licence will still be required for Atlantic salmon. Bag limits and all other sportfishing regulations will remain in effect and will be enforced. "Through this promotional event, we want to encourage Nova Scotians to enjoy sportfishing. At the same time, we want to increase public awareness of the need to protect our freshwater resource," said the minister. Sport and recreational fishing contribute over $82 million to the provincial economy each year. This is good news for many rural communities and tourist-related operations, said the minister. "The promotional weekend will help raise the profile of sportfishing and will also benefit communities and businesses through direct spending for gear, supplies, food and travel," he said. Stressing the role of public involvement in conservation, Mr. Barkhouse noted that the department works closely with angling and wildlife groups, schools, and individuals to protect the resource. "The department's management and education programs are developed in conjunction with user groups and are very popular." This year's sportfishing weekend promotion is part of the broader Atlantic Canada Angling Days program taking place in conjunction with the four Atlantic provinces. -30- Contact: Diane Kenny, 902-424-0308 LM June 3, 1996 2:15 p.m.