Anglers and Scientists Request Third-Party Review of Fisheries Management

Anglers and Scientists Request Third-Party Review of Fisheries Management

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Scientists and anglers are extremely disappointed in the 2021 Sport Fishing Regulations and have voiced their concerns to Alberta Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon.

Ray Makowecki, who represents over 200 people with the Volunteer Biologists Group, (VBG) and Next Step Team, (NST), said that despite a concerted effort to engage in the 2021 regulation consultations there is “much disappointment” in the lack of additional fish harvest opportunities other than Wabamum.

“Numerous lake specific recommendations from the NST, VBG, and anglers included lakes were not specifically addressed by the government fisheries managers in the webinars or by Alberta Environment and Parks, (AEP).

“To see so many lakes having zero harvest with one or more fish species suggests a failure in the management of the fish resources in these lakes,” stated Makowecki. The decision would affect approximately 30 lakes throughout the province.

He went so far as to say, “Clearly, an independent third-party science review is warranted to explore various fish management options.

Public trust in consultation processes is faltering without a third-party review that critically examines the evidence for change from the public and fisheries managers. Without such a review it would appear that many lakes will end up with no harvest and continue with ecologically imbalanced fish populations as is currently indicated by the government data.”

He went on to say, “Considerations should be given to transplanting native fish stocks back as the fish habitats improve, and in so doing, improving fishing opportunities for Albertans.

Consideration for increasing fishing opportunities and restoring fish habitats in future years would allow for increased use of public fish resources and allow for increased travel to many rural locations that would provide economic benefits in various municipalities.”

To date, Makowecki said Minister Nixon had indicated that suggestions for changes and a third-party review would be considered.

Jason Penner, Communications Advisor with Alberta Environment & Parks stated that more than 2,500 Albertans provided feedback on the 2021 sportfishing regulations.

“Recreational fish harvest opportunities are provided wherever available, after conservation needs are met and Indigenous rights to harvest fish for food are fulfilled. This is a longstanding policy and Alberta’s approach to ensuring the sustainable use of fisheries follows the guidance provided by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the Marine Stewardship Council, and has been independently reviewed and endorsed by the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat of Canada Fisheries and Oceans.

Most walleye and pike fisheries were severely depleted by overharvest prior to the implementation of recovery and management plans in the late 1990s. Despite the fishery recoveries, recreational harvest opportunities remain restricted, due to the very high demand for fish and the very low relative amount of fish-bearing water in Alberta. Nonetheless, roughly two thirds of walleye and pike fisheries in Alberta currently provide recreational harvest.”