Fishing regulations being made easier in Manitoba

The Manitoba government is working to make fishing easier in the province with new regulations taking effect in April.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced that the province is tightening fishing regulations.

License changes will come into effect under the new regulations, which will provide for a single license for each stay type, replacing the conservation and regular categories.

The province also offers one-day fishing licenses.

Seniors, military members and veterans also do not need a license and only need to identify themselves to conservation officials.

“Our government wants to make things easier for the 22,000 Manitoba seniors who participate in recreational fishing,” Nesbitt said in a press release. “Instead of requiring an annual fishing license for Manitoba resident seniors, Manitoba seniors would be required to provide proof of age and residency when requested by conservation officials.”

In addition to the license changes, the province also allows year-round fishing for “abundant species.” Increased protection for large spawning fish will be added, ice fisherman shelter requirements will be changed, and “uniform residence definitions” will also be created for anglers, hunters and trappers.

Chase Dreilich, the National Wildlife Federation’s recreational fishing coordinator, said these new regulations are great for both anglers and fish.

“Recreational anglers have always been advocates for protecting these fisheries and you know everyone wants to see great fishing for generations to come. So many of the changes in the new regulations that are being introduced are structured to ensure there is long. concept of sustainability,” said Dreilich.

He said the regulations currently ban all fishing during certain times of the year and the changes would now only prevent certain species from being caught.

He added that the province is also changing the size limit on catches, as well as the amount of fish you’re allowed to keep.

“Larger fish tend to be the large egg carriers for many fish, so hopefully size reduction will have a direct impact on fish spawning and fish reproduction.”

On the licensing front, he said moving from two categories to one and getting the license last year would remove some of the bureaucracy that currently exists. Also allowing a day license encourages more people to get out and try fishing.

You can find more information on the Internet.