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ST. JOHN’S, NL—Fisheries and Oceans Canada today announced a new five-year
(2007-2011) recreational management plan for Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland and
Labrador.
The new multi-year plan was developed through the Newfoundland and Labrador Region
Atlantic salmon consultation process involving a variety of stakeholders. The new
plan balances salmon conservation and stock rebuilding with angling opportunity
and stability for the recreational salmon fishery.
Key measures from the previous five-year plan (2002-2006) are maintained under
the new plan. This includes the continuation of an adaptive management strategy
and river classification which takes into account the health of individual river
salmon stocks when management decisions are made. In addition, special management
plans developed in consultation with local watershed and stewardship groups will
continue.
The following adjustments apply for insular Newfoundland; the plan does not contain
any changes for Labrador:
- Standard season opening and closing dates for all management zones in
insular Newfoundland: June 1 to September 7
- Retention of six Atlantic salmon is permitted on all three Class I rivers
in insular Newfoundland: Gander River, Exploits River and Humber River.
- Harry’s River will start the 2007 season as a Class III river, but may
change to Class II following an in-season review to determine if
conservation requirements will be met. For 2007, Flat Bay Brook has been
reclassified from a Class III to a Class II river.
Consensus could not be reached on some management measures; therefore a special
meeting of interested groups will be convened in the fall of 2007 to discuss solutions.
The meeting will include a general discussion of seasons, temperature protocols
and watershed-specific management measures.
Protecting and rebuilding Atlantic salmon stocks remains a priority. DFO scientists
will continue monitoring salmon returns using counting facilities and angling data.
Atlantic salmon angling regulations and information will be published in the
2007 Newfoundland and Labrador Anglers Guide, which will be available at local DFO
offices and provincial government service centres prior to the angling season.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Sam Whiffen
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7631
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Susan Keough
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7628 |
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NR-NL-07-21E |
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