FRANCAIS

March 11, 2004

Proposed legislation introduced today would support efforts to have a healthy and vibrant commercial fishery in Manitoba, Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton has announced.

"Manitoba’s fishery has long been recognized as one of the province’s most valuable natural resources and this legislation would help protect it," said Ashton. "Unfortunately, there are those who would abuse this valuable resource to the detriment of all Manitobans, particularly with regard to illegal commercial fishing."

Proposed amendments would update the Fisheries Act and strengthen the province’s ability to deal with illegal commercial fishing including:

• increasing the maximum fine from $10,000 to $100,000 as the commercial value of illegally caught fish often exceeds $10,000;
• making it an offence for a person to remove, damage or interfere with any net or other fishing gear set out by another person; and
• empowering resource officers to seize evidence and equipment, with or without a warrant, when they discover an offence being committed, supplementing existing seizure powers. This would be consistent with other legislation such as the Wildlife Act, the Resource Tourism Operators Act and the Fisheries Act (Canada).

Under the legislation, the province would also be able to regulate fish buyers and sellers and license certain components of the commercial fishing industry in Manitoba. These provisions would not apply to sales by a licensed commercial fisher directly to the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation or the final consumer. The department would consult with industry on developing these regulations.

The legislation would also require proper labelling and packaging to ensure fish sold for consumption in the province is from acceptable sources.

Ashton also announced changes to angling licence fees for non-resident and resident anglers and a new separate licence for Canadians from other provinces who are not Manitoba residents.

"Even with these changes, Manitoba residents will continue to enjoy fees among the lowest in Canada," said Ashton. "We are also pleased to continue to offer Manitoba seniors a seniors’ category conservation licence at no charge."

Effective for the 2004 season, residents from other provinces will be required to purchase a Canadian resident conservation licence for $20 or a Canadian resident regular licence for $40. These fees are similar to or lower than fees charged to other Canadians by provinces with similar licences.

In addition, effective May 1, there will be an increase of $2 for conservation and regular licences for Manitoba residents. Fees for non-residents of Canada will increase from $22 to $30 for a conservation licence and from $40 to $55 for a regular licence.

Licences are available at over 700 venders throughout the province including Manitoba Conservation and Manitoba Water Stewardship offices. Details of the changes to angling regulations for 2004 can be found in the 2004 Manitoba Anglers' Guide, available where licences are purchased.

"Manitoba boasts some of the finest angling in Canada for both numbers and size of fish as shown by the increase in angling activity in the province," said Ashton. "The proposed legislation and changes in fees will help to ensure the long-term future of this valuable resource for future generations."

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