The sportfishing season is now open and Nova Scotians are encouraged to head to one of the province’s waterways to take part.
“The sportfishing industry is very important to Nova Scotia and we want to see it grow sustainably,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell. “We are hearing more often from anglers that they voluntarily practice catch and release and limit their harvest to help ensure the fisheries will remain stable for future generations.”
Sportfishing in Nova Scotia generates more than $58 million annually and has a large impact on the province’s rural economies. Last season, general and salmon fishing licence sales totaled over 69,000, up 16 per cent from 2015. Most of this increase came from general licence sales.
“There are many opportunities in our province for anglers of all ages and skill levels, making sportfishing a great experience for families to enjoy together,” said Mr. Colwell.
Anglers can learn about rules for the season in the 2017 Angler’s Handbook and Summary of Regulations accompanying their fishing licence. The handbook is also available at https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/laws-regs/.
All anglers age 16 or older must purchase a general fishing licence. They are valid until March 31, 2018, and licence stubs must be returned at the end of the season.
Licences can be purchased from many gas retailers, hardware, convenience, and sporting goods stores or at any Department of Natural Resources district office, which can be found at http://novascotia.ca/natr/.
The licence fees, HST included, are $27.60 for the season for residents of Nova Scotia and $63.65 for non-residents.
Non-residents also have the option to purchase a seven-day licence for $34.80. Seniors’ fishing licences are available for a discounted price of $6.80. One-day licences for residents and non-residents are $13.10.
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Source: Media Release