The provincial government on Thursday released its position on the inland management of Atlantic salmon for the 2018-19 season.
Fisheries and Land Resources Minister Gerry Byrne said that, similar to last year’s plan, the provincial government recommends that anglers be issued six tags for a retention fishery — but with measures that will prescribe both retention and hook and release angling opportunities co-exist throughout the full angling season for all Class 2 and Class 4 rivers.
Byrne stated that in support of this the following checks should be in place to ensure conservation of the salmon stock:
• Two retention tags to be authorized for June with an in-season review completed at month’s end, or as early as possible in July;
• If stocks are deemed sufficient at the end of June to support further fish mortality, two more tags will be issued for July;
• If further fish removals cannot be supported at the end of June, angling will cease for all fishers until further scientific review can be conducted at the end of July;
• Based on the outcome of the end of July review, two final tags would be issued for the remainder of the angling season if warranted, or the season will remain closed to further angling.
Byrne said the province’s position was made clear to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans through the Salmon Advisory Council’s meeting held Tuesday in St. John’s.
“Offering six tags per angler based on the results of two in-season reviews is the best option for the coming season,” Byrne said. “A measured response that reflects our strong commitment to conservation. This approach maintains the social contract with anglers who provide stewardship on the province’s rivers and reduce poaching, results in no significant impact for the outfitting industry, and allows for social and economic benefits for the people of the province. Retaining six tags per angler, with the clear option of a closure if low salmon returns warrant, further helps to ensure salmon stocks are protected, which must always remain our highest priority.”
