January 8, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Minister comments on DFO trout management plan

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, welcomed the Department of Fisheries and Oceans release of the five year trout management plan. The minister was especially pleased that the federal government had heeded the advice of so many of the provinces residents and has reinstated a longer winter season. People in all areas of the island will now be able to participate in winter trout fishing from February 1 to April 15. He also stated that the announcement that season dates would remain in effect for a five year period was a positive measure as residents would now have some assurance for planning their angling activities over the next number of years.

While the minister was encouraged that many of the recreational concerns had been addressed he was disappointed that no reference was made to incorporating biological criteria into this, or future plans. Minister Aylward noted that many people had expressed reservations over the state of trout populations, namely the apparent declines being experienced in many areas. He had hoped that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans would have heeded these warnings and as a minimum initiated a biological monitoring program. "It is certainly my hope that we do not have to wait until the expiration of this management plan before we can see some work being done to confirm the state of many of our trout stocks" the minister stated.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications (709) 729-6183.

1999 01 08 4:20 p.m.