Fisheries and Oceans Canada
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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Anglers Guide 2011/12
PUBLIC NOTICES
BOATING SAFETY INFORMATION
Depending on the size and type of boat, a pleasure craft operator is required to carry specific equipment, a pleasure craft licence and proof of competency on board onboard at all times. Proof of competency, required for all operators of motorized pleasure craft, can take one of the following forms:
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)—this is the most common proof, obtained after passing an accredited boating safety test
- Proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999
- Specified marine certificate—visit the website below for a complete list
- Completed rental boat safety checklist—good only for rental period
- Proof of at least seven fishing seasons (some restrictions) as Master of a fishing vessel
Please visit our website for a complete list of:
- Certificates and other equivalencies accepted as proof of competency
- Detailed information regarding boat licensing and safety equipment
- Access to the national Safe Boating Guide TP11
Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety
http://www.boatingsafety.gc.ca/
1-800-230-3693
The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation
The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF) is a non-profit organization, established through a one-time grant of $30 million from the Government of Canada. Interest income generated by this trust fund supports projects and activities contributing to the conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and its habitat.
The Foundation helps achieve healthy and sustainable wild Atlantic salmon stocks in Atlantic Canada and Quebec by promoting active working partnerships among volunteer conservation groups, Aboriginal organizations, governments, and others.
Every year between November 1st and mid-December the Foundation calls for funding proposals for innovative, on-the-ground conservation projects focused on wild Atlantic salmon and its habitat carried-out by community groups. For 2012, a total of $300,000 will be available, consisting of $50,000 for each province, plus $50,000 for inter-provincial projects.
To learn about the Foundation and how to apply for funding please go to our website: www.salmonconservation.ca.
Newfoundland & Labrador Projects funded by the ASCF:
Over $153,100 has been awarded to conservation partners in Newfoundland & Labrador since 2008.
Conservation projects funded in 2010 included:
- Exploits River Tributaries Restoration. Environment Resources Management Association. Amount: $14,500
- Little River Atlantic Salmon Enhancement Colonization Study. Miawpukek First Nation. Amount: $12,300
- Salmon Population Assessment. Renews River Conservation Association. Amount: $21,300
- Delivery of Hook and Release techniques Course: Salmonid Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. Amount: $3,500
- Clearing an Atlantic salmon migration route. Salmonid Preservation Association. Amount: $12,300
Fish Habitat and All-Terrain Vehicles
Every year, an increasing number of people in Newfoundland and Labrador are enjoying the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) whether it’s to explore the outdoors, haul a load of wood, carry gear to the cabin or travel to a favourite hunting or fishing spot. An ATV is a great way to travel, but operators should be aware of the potential impacts they can have on the environment.
Throughout our province, ATV operators encounter various types of fish habitat, such as streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and beaches. In fact, some people may be operating their ATVs through or near these areas without considering that it may be important habitat for many fish species.
In Newfoundland and Labrador’s rivers and streams, brook trout and salmon spawn in the changeover area between riffles and pools. Riffles are relatively shallow areas with moderate flows and a mainly gravel, cobble bottom. Some boulders may also be present, which break the surface. Pools are deeper and have slower flows.
Impacts to Fish Habitat
Driving an ATV along riverbanks and across rivers and streams can harm fish habitat by damaging the banks or bottom of the river or stream causing a sedimentation event that could result in:
- Reduced water quality and clarity
- Smothering of developing fish eggs, and spawning and rearing habitats
- Reduction of available food
- Crushing of fish eggs and fry
- Loss of vegetation that provides shelter
Below are some fish friendly practices to keep in mind while riding your ATV
A good rule of thumb for ATV riders, as well as operators of any offroad vehicles, is to stay out of the water.
- Steer clear of wetlands, shorelines and waterbodies
- Avoid driving your ATV along beaches and streambanks
- Stick to established hard roads and trails
- Cross streams at bridges only
- Choose a large anchor tree when using a winch so that it can withstand the pull
If you must cross a stream because of an emergency or safety concern please:
- Cross where the approach is stable and has a low slope
- Cross at right angles to the stream
- Cross where the streambed is made of bedrock or large rubble
- Reduce your speed when crossing
- Avoid areas with vegetated, silty or sandy bottoms
- Keep your ATV in good repair, free of mud, oil and other harmful substances that could impair water quality
All fish habitat – both freshwater and marine – is protected under Canada’s Fisheries Act. It is illegal to harmfully alter, disrupt or destroy fish habitat through chemical, biological or physical means (unless authorized by DFO).
What do I do if I notice damage to fish habitat or an activity that is harmful to fish habitat?
Please contact your area DFO Office and speak to the habitat biologist on staff.
| DFO Area Office, Eastern NL | (709) 772-5597 |
| DFO Area Office, Southern NL | (709) 772-7345 |
| DFO Area Office, Central NL | (709) 292-5197 |
| DFO Area Office, Western NL | (709) 637-4349 |
| DFO Area Office, Labrador | (709) 896-6151 |
DFO Enforcement Efforts for Salmon and Trout (NL)
Getting out on a river or pond in pursuit of a salmon or trout is a highlight for many anglers in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Anglers have many rivers and ponds to choose from, and many have their favourites that they return to each year.
Most anglers are respectful of the regulations, but not everyone plays by the rules. This is where fishery officers and fishery guardians, tasked with the responsibility for ensuring compliance and enforcement of recreational fisheries, get involved.
In 2010, approximately 70,000 hours were spent on salmon and trout enforcement. Additional compliance and enforcement efforts were provided by provincial and Aboriginal inland fisheries enforcement programs.
During the 2010 angling season, a total of 265 salmon and trout violations were detected as a result of DFO’s enforcement efforts. These include charges laid, warnings, seizures from persons unknown (e.g. abandoned nets), and cases that are still under investigation. A total of 78 salmon nets, 124 salmon, 22 boats, 4 vehicles and 2 all terrain vehicles were seized.
DFO works closely with Crime Stoppers to encourage the public to report poaching and other illegal activity on the rivers. Callers are anonymous and tipsters can earn a cash reward if the tip leads to a conviction.
In 2010, Crime Stoppers Newfoundland and Labrador received 107 tips from the public about illegal fishing activity, of which 74 were directly related to salmon and trout. These tips are an invaluable source of information for fishery officers and guardians, and sometimes lead to charges being laid and convictions being handed down by the courts.
Crime Stoppers can be reached anonymously
by calling 1-800-222 TIPS (8477),
by texting TIP190 + Message to 274637 (CRIMES),
or by submitting a tip online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com
Catch-and-Release Advice
Practice safe and responsible release techniques to ensure salmon survival.
Follow these procedures to minimize injury to fish:
- Barbless hooks must be used.
- Do not use a tailer.
- When using a landing net, use one with knotless cotton mesh, as it is less harmful to fish scales, gills and eyes.
- A leader tip should be heavy enough to bring in large salmon quickly, or light enough to allow large salmon to break off.
- Move to a quiet water location.
- Bring the fish quickly into reach, or break it off after a couple of runs.
- Do not beach the salmon; keep the entire salmon underwater as much as possible.
- Handle the salmon gently; do not squeeze the fish and avoid touching the gills and eyes. Loss of scales and damage to the gills caused by pressure on the gills or by removal from the water are the most serious injuries a salmon can suffer.
- Remove the hook gently with pliers or with your thumb and forefinger. If the hook must be left in, cut the leader as close to it as possible.
- Support the fish under the belly, keeping it in an upright position, underwater and facing into the current.
- Measure your fish and have a photo taken. Remember to keep the fish in the water at all times and do not hold the fish vertically by the tail.
- Be patient. Give the fish as much time as it needs to recover and swim away on its own.
- Anglers should cease catch-and-release angling in extreme environmental conditions (low water levels and high water temperatures).
- When angling from an anchored boat, consider releasing the anchor and moving the boat to slower water to conduct the release.
Remember: Landing, reviving and releasing your fish as quickly as possible and following the above procedures will increase the chances of fish survival.
In 2010, there were 40,000 Angler’s Guides distributed throughout the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
DID YOU KNOW?
In addition to the 90 DFO contracted fishery guardians on the island there are 4 DFO fishery guardians in Labrador and 36 Aboriginal fishery guardians located throughout the province. Fishery guardians enforce the fishing rules and regulations affecting the rivers and ponds of Newfoundland and Labrador.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Angler’s Guide is now available online in French and English at www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
