Recreational fishing licences for tidal waters in the Pacific region are now available for sale. The new fishing season started April 1.
A media release from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FOC) states that under regulations in the tidal waters sport fishing licence, recreational anglers are required by law to immediately and permanently record their catch on their licence or an FOC-kept catch database for all retained chinook and halibut caught in any management area, and lingcod caught in specific areas. They can now do this digitally under FOC’s national recreational licencing system (NRLS).
The release stated that NRLS is an online system that allows recreational fishers to obtain a BC tidal waters sport fishing licence, salmon conservation stamp and/or Yukon salmon conservation catch card from any location with an internet connection and printer.
A quick and convenient way for anglers to record their catch is via their NRLS account, where catch records can be entered electronically. If the recreational angler is not within cell range, they must manually record their catch on the printed paper copy of their licence, the release stated.
Under the regulations, the licence holder’s current licence and all catch records must be available for immediate inspection upon request of a fishery officer or fisheries guardian. Failure to produce accurate catch records can result in fines, according to the release.
It is the responsibility of each angler to understand the rules, regulations and any closures applicable to the area where they plan to fish: pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages Canada’s oceans resources to achieve a long-term stable approach to fisheries management decision-making, support the conservation and sustainability of fisheries resources, and set the context for greater economic prosperity, the release stated. It added that FOC is committed to enforcing laws and regulations that govern fishing and fisheries and to promoting compliance through education and awareness.
As part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s work to end illegal activity, the department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1.800.465.4336, or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
