December 20, 2007

MINISTER ANNOUNCES RECREATIONAL FISHERIES CONSULTATIONS

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- 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.

You can read the entire article at the PEI Gov website:
http://www.gov.pe.ca/envengfor/index.php3?number=news&lang=E&newsnumber=...