Ministry of Environment
VICTORIA – The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) are joining forces to ensure anglers respect the rules while enjoying freshwater lakes and rivers throughout British Columbia this summer.
For the second year in a row, through the generosity of the society, popular fishing areas will see extra patrols by conservation officers to address illegal activity and encourage compliance.
“Thanks to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, the province’s freshwater lakes and rivers will have additional conservation officers on patrol, ensuring compliance and providing outreach to angling communities,” said Mary Polak, Minister of Environment. “At this time of year, fishing is an especially popular activity on B.C. waters and increased patrols help protect fish and the environment.”
In 2003, the Province signed a 30-year contract with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to be a non-profit delivery partner with a mandate to conserve and enhance freshwater fishing opportunities in B.C.
Since April 1, 2015, 100 per cent of freshwater fishing licence revenue has been invested in recreational fisheries, delivering on a commitment government made in 2013.
Last year alone saw funding of $10 million, some of which the society invests to enhance existing compliance, enforcement and education efforts.
Non-compliance with the Wildlife Act has a direct impact on fish, the environment, revenues to the society and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, as well as the overall fishing experience in B.C.
British Columbians are encouraged to report suspicious angling activity to the B.C. Conservation Officer Services’ Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at: 1 877 952-7277.
Learn more about B.C.’s freshwater fishing regulations: www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/
