The Provincial Government has made improvements to its angling regulations, including the implementation of a new salmon tag. The changes are effective for the 2010 season.

"The enhancements we have made to angling regulations are important for our conservation and enforcement efforts within the province," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "The new salmon tag, in particular, will address issues that have been raised in the past by resident anglers, salmon conservation groups and enforcement agencies concerning misuse and tampering of salmon tags. The amendments will result in a better understanding of the rules for salmon angling and we hope they will also provide opportunities for more people to get involved in recreational angling."

Concerns had been raised over issues such as "passing the rod," whereby anglers may pass the fishing rod to other anglers so they can participate in "playing" the salmon that has been hooked; misuse and tampering of salmon angling tags; enforcement of river specific bags limits, such as coloured tag use; and, the definition of a family as it relates to operation of a family licence. The amendments were developed in consultation with user groups and enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing angling rules.

The new amendments will:
- Allow salmon anglers to pass the rod to other anglers so they may participate in "playing" the salmon; however, the individual who hooked the fish must tag it or release it back into the water. Licensed guides demonstrating angling techniques are also required to release any fish they hook, regardless of who "played" it;
- Allow the province to issue Variation Orders under the Wild Life Act that support the tag colour(s) and bag limit set out for a specific class of river. While these conditions aren’t new, the revisions address some enforcement and legal interpretation concerns that had been raised;
- Make it illegal to have in your possession, while angling or hunting, any altered or defaced tags; - Allow grandparents and their grandchildren and spouses to be named on a family licence, and;
- Expand the definition of a direct relative to include grandparents and grandchildren which will enhance the ability for non-residents to angle with direct family members without having to hire licensed guides.

"We are committed to the sustainable use and conservation of all wildlife resources in our province, including salmon," said Minister Johnson. "Recreational salmon angling is an important activity for both resident and non-resident anglers. The improvements our government has made to angling regulations and the new tag system will allow a clearer understanding of the rules and is responsive to the interests of the majority of anglers within our province."

The salmon angling season on the island of Newfoundland opens on June 1, 2010, and closes September 7, 2010. In Labrador the season opens on June 15, 2010, and closes September 15, 2010.

For more information on angling regulations, visit www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/annualregs/2010/nr100017.htm