News Release

EXTENSION OF THE 2004 SALMON ANGLING SEASON ON A PORTION OF THE MAIN SOUTHWEST MIRAMICHI RIVER

MONCTON - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Miramichi Watershed Management Committee (MWMC) today announced the renewal of a one-week extension to the 2004 regular salmon angling season for the Main Southwest Miramichi from its mouth upstream to the Upper Blackville Bridge not including its tributaries. This extension will allow the salmon angling season to continue until October 22, 2004, inclusively.

The season extension should allow the MWMC to complete its evaluation initiated in 2003 in gathering additional data on the biological impact on salmon stocks and on the level of interest shown by anglers over the extended period. The MWMC was unable to complete its evaluation in 2003 due to unusually high water conditions and felt the results of their study to be inconclusive.

Upon completion of the project, the results of the extended angling activities will be reviewed with the objective that salmon conservation remains paramount over other potential benefits.

Anglers are reminded that the angling season extension is for hook and release only and that any salmon caught after October 15 must be released, retention will not be permitted at any time.

Anglers may assist the MWMC with their salmon assessment by sending their written comments to the watershed management committee at the following address: Brent Taylor, MWMC, 6342, Route 8, Unit 1, Boiestown, N.B. E6A 1Z5. Anglers may also submit their views by using the feedback form distributed to anglers with the purchase of their salmon licenses, and returning it to the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources.

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For information:

Internet: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html