Environment and Conservation
Justice and Public Safety
May 29, 2015

Promoting Responsible Conservation

Minister Encourages Anglers to be Aware of Defective Salmon Tags and to Practice Responsible Angling Activities This Season

The Department of Environment and Conservation wishes to advise anglers in the province that recently distributed salmon angling tags that accompany salmon angling licences issued by the Wildlife Division have defects. The licences and tags were distributed to vendors and subsequently purchased by anglers before the defects were discovered.

�This is a very unfortunate set of circumstances that we did not expect to encounter at the start of this salmon angling season. We are currently working to determine whether there are remedial steps possible for the remainder of the angling season. Anglers can still use the tags that are supplied with salmon licences , however, we expect all anglers to practice responsible angling activities despite any issue they may possibly encounter with faulty tags which are attached to salmon for retention purposes.�
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation

Defects are related to the locking mechanism and the quality of the card portion, which contains the licence number, colour coding and calendar sequencing which records the date of retention. Further information on the defects may be found in the backgrounder below.

If, despite being checked by licence vendors, an individual discovers a tag to have a defective locking mechanism they should return the tag to the vendor from which they purchased it and receive a replacement licence and tags.

�Our Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division officers and other enforcement agencies involved in protecting salmon stocks within the province are aware of the issues presented by the distribution of defective tags. Our officers will work with resident and non-resident anglers to ensure awareness exists concerning these defects and to ensure anglers use these tags in a manner that is consistent with the legislation. Officers will continue to investigate occurrences of tampering or improper use of tags not related to the defects, which are offences under the Wild Life Regulation and where necessary and appropriate charges could be laid.�
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety

Wildlife Officials have been in contact with angling conservation groups and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and explained the circumstance. All parties are committed to working together on ensuring conservation remains a priority.

Further information is available through the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025.

QUICK FACTS

• Recently distributed salmon angling tags that accompany salmon angling licences issued by the Wildlife Division have unanticipated defects.
• Defects are related to the locking mechanism and the quality of the card portion, which contains the licence number, colour coding and calendar sequencing which records the date of retention.
• If, despite being checked by licence vendors, an individual discovers a tag to have a defective locking mechanism they should return the tag to the vendor from which they purchased it and receive a replacement licence and tags.
• Anglers are advised to take caution when handling and attaching tags to a salmon and to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the tag is marked properly when used for retention purposes.

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