News Release Archive

FISHERIES/AQUACULTURE--Angler Check Program a Success
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An angler check program designed to cut down on illegal fishing
in Nova Scotia during the sport fishing season has been labelled
a success.

From April 1 to Sept. 30, 1997, more than 7,000 individuals were
checked throughout Nova Scotia by conservation officers and
inspectors from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and
the Department of Natural Resources. 

Seventy charges were laid for offences including fishing without
a licence, exceeding the catch limit and failing to have
life-jackets in a boat. The penalties range from $150 to $300. 

"The results are very encouraging. Conservation measures now mean
more fish next spring and the years after that," said Jim
Barkhouse, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Terry MacIntyre, president of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association,
said enforcement backs up the conservation message his group
promotes.

"The feedback has been tremendous," said Mr. MacIntyre. "The
anglers support the officers who are out there protecting what we
value so much."

Tom LeBlanc, a Fisheries and Aquaculture enforcement officer
based in Pictou, said anglers are telling him the same thing.

"These guys are dedicated recreational fishermen and they want to
know there will be more fish to catch the next year," said Mr.
LeBlanc. "The ones fishing legally are happy to see us."

One hundred and twenty-eight warnings were issued for offences
including fishing in restricted waters with illegal bait and
failing to carry a fishing licence. Warnings were also issued for
having an unattended fishing rod, making fires during a
provincial ban and having open liquor.

The patrols were conducted by conservation inspectors with the
Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and
conservation officers with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural
Resources.

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Contact: Steve Warburton
         Fisheries and Aquaculture  
         902-424-0192
         E-mail: swarburt@fish.ns.ca

ngr                Nov. 6, 1997              10:40 a.m.