The Manitoba government is considering changes to fishing in Westman, and the rest of the province, after feedback from angling stakeholder groups and the public on EngageMB.
Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler said “Our government has committed to increasing opportunities for recreational angling while enhancing protection of our valuable fish populations. We wanted to hear from Manitobans to better understand their perspectives on a suite of proposed regulation changes that will guide recreational angling in Manitoba in the future.”
Proposed changes in the strategy includes:
-lead modernizing angling licenses;
-changing angling seasons, possession limits and size restrictions to create new fishing opportunities while ensuring protection of fish populations;
-implementing management changes for the harvest and use of aquatic live bait, to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species;
-implementing minor changes to ice-fishing regulation including contact information displayed on permanent ice fishing shelters and removal dates; and
-updating enforcement of fisheries offences.
Stakeholder organizations that represent over 10,000 anglers participated in 15 engagement meetings and events. In addition, over 1,440 responses were received through EngageMB.
“Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters would like to commend the Manitoba government for their commitment to creating sustainable fisheries in Manitoba,” said DJ Seales, president, Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. “The proposed changes will make sure that future generations of anglers will be able to enjoy this fragile resource.”
“Manitoba’s Recreational Angling Strategy outlines changes that I have been waiting years for,” said Don Lamont, editor, Hooked Magazine. “This is a welcome response to the growing demand for better angling opportunities for everyone. The most important part of all this is the commitment by the province to adopt a science-based approach to Fisheries Management.”
“We are pleased that stakeholders and online respondents supported the majority of the proposed regulation changes outlined in the strategy,” said Eichler. “Our government has made modifications to the strategy to address feedback from respondents as outlined in the report released today.”
Manitoba is moving forward with the regulation amendment processes that are required to implement the strategy. The target date for implementation is April 1, 2023.
Results from the public and stakeholder engagement can be found at: https://gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/20212022/whatweheard-rec-angling-startegy.pdf
