Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
VICTORIA - Proposed changes to fishing regulations for the 2017-2019 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis are now available for public comment and feedback. A complete list and description of the proposed regulations can be viewed online at: http://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/pub/ahte/
Based on regional requirements and conditions, the intent of these regulation adjustments is to promote the conservation of native fish species and enhance sustainable angling opportunities for recreational fishers.
The proposals include measures such as bait bans, hook restrictions, changes to fishery opening and closing dates and adjusting retention quotas to meet management objectives for native species and reduce impacts of non-native species in B.C. lakes and rivers.
The 30-day opportunity for public comment ends on Dec. 16, 2016. Once final decisions are made, the regulations will be published in the 2017-2019 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, scheduled to be printed and distributed to the public and posted online in March 2017 at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/
The new regulations will take effect on April 1, 2017.