This past summer popular fishing areas throughout the province saw enhanced protection with more conservation officers on patrol – thanks to a generous funding boost of $100,000 from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

With the society’s substantial contribution, conservation officers have worked almost an additional 2,050 hours patrolling B.C.’s freshwaters. A total of 4,171 anglers’ licenses were checked, finding 634 to be out of compliance. This resulted in 410 written warnings and 221 provincial and federal tickets issued.

Since April 1, 2015, 100% of freshwater fishing license revenue has been invested in recreational fisheries under a new agreement between the Province and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Through this partnership, anglers are seeing a greater presence of conservation officers on priority waters.

Non-compliance with the Wildlife Act and Fisheries Act has a direct impact on fish species the environment, revenues to the society and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and overall angler experience.

B.C.’s lakes and rivers will continue to see increasing patrols in the coming months. Additionally, conservation officers continually promote compliance through outreach and educational events in freshwater fishing communities.

Reports of any suspicious angling activities can be submitted to the B.C. Conservation Officer Services’ Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1 877 952-7277.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment –  

“The funding from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was a huge boost for the Conservation Officer Service. Thanks to the funding, additional conservation officers were able to be out on the water and patrol B.C.’s popular fishing locations. Through this partnership, the beautiful lakes and rivers British Columbians enjoy through the summer and fall are being monitored and compliance is being promoted. The generosity of the society is keeping B.C.’s fish species and the environment protected for generations now and in the future.”

Andrew Wilson, president, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC –  

“The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC recognizes the important work conservation officers do in protecting and conserving B.C.’s fish populations. Through our partnership with the Conservation Officer Service this year, the society and B.C.’s anglers helped fund enhanced outreach, compliance, and enforcement work on priority streams and lakes throughout the province.”

Quick Facts:

• Anglers aged 16 and older are required to have a current valid B.C. freshwater fishing license to fish in non-tidal waters.
• Fishing licences can be purchased online, through vendors at local tackle shops or from a government agent.

Learn More:

For more information about the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and how to purchase a B.C. freshwater fishing license, visit: www.gofishbc.com

To learn more about the Conservation Officer Service and a conservation officers duties, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/

Learn about B.C.’s freshwater fishing regulations: www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/