The Psychology of 'Fishing Man'
Does fishing reduce stress? Dr. Paul Quinnett, psychologist and author of several books on angling, certainly thinks so.
Invasive Species Information
British Columbia's lakes and streams are home to over 80 species of freshwater and sea-run native fish! Many of these species support the impressive array of recreational fishing opportunities for which the province is world-renowned.
Unfortunately, our freshwaters are also becoming home to a growing number of illegally introduced alien (non-native) fish species. While these species may have been established for decades in some regions of the province, we are now seeing an unprecedented rate of spread of alien species into regions where they were previously not found. These recently reported occurrences are almost certainly due to deliberate and illegal activities of individuals intent on creating new fisheries.
Illegal introductions pose a new threat to B.C.'s native fisheries, especially in waterways with connections to other systems that allow fish to expand their presence. Species such as yellow perch are highly prolific and can quickly outnumber their native counterparts, competing for food and resources. Bass and pike are aggressive predators known to feed on small fish including young trout, salmon and sturgeon.
While alien fish species may support fisheries in other locales, an uncontrolled expansion in B.C. will be at the expense of our high-value native species fisheries. In many cases, the impacts will be irreversible.
The Ministry of Environment is taking assertive measures to protect native species and fisheries from illegally introduced alien fish species and is currently focused on illegal sport fish introductions. Fisheries policy provides for the removal or control of such species where they pose high risks. Given that illegal movement of fish was recently identified as a top compliance problem in fisheries management, a concerted effort to prevent such activities in the future is underway using a combination of information, enforcement and stewardship campaigns.
You can help!
Protecting our native species and fisheries is a high priority and a responsibility that we all share.
It is illegal to possess live fish or to release any live fish into B.C.'s lakes or streams. This offence holds a penalty of up to $100,000 for first time offenders and/or a prison term of up to 12 months for a second offence. Conservation Officers patrol fishing areas year round. Please be prepared to present your licence to an officer upon request.
Report any suspicious activity related to the illegal transfer of live fish to the Conservation Officer Service through their Report All Poachers and Polluters program.
Toll free: 1-877-952-7277
Cellular dial: #7277
Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/rapp/form.htm
For fisheries violations related to salmon, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at 1-800-465-4336.
A reward of up to $20,000 is available to anyone providing information leading to the conviction of individuals responsible for illegal activities under the provincial Wildlife Act, or the illegal transfer of alien fish species into B.C. waters. This reward is ongoing and is supplied by the B.C. Wildlife Federation in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment.
