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TROUT PLAN |  |
| TNS - Conserving Nova Scotia's Trout |
|
TROUT PLAN | |
| TNS - Conserving Nova Scotia's Trout |
| Trout Plan Announced! During the implementation of the Special Trout Management Areas in the province and the subsequent changes to the regulations in two of those areas it became apparent to TNS Directors in the spring of 2002 that a Trout Management Plan for the province was needed. Virtually all other jurisdictions in North America have accessible and well-developed trout management plans. During a meeting with Fisheries Minister Fage on this subject in September 2002, he gave TNS a commitment to produce a trout management plan. Since then TNS has met with Inland Fisheries staff and offered our ideas for plan content and development. Murray Hill, Director of NS Inland Fisheries took the opportunity of our 2003 AGM to announce there will be a Trout Plan for the Province. What fantastic news for all of us who are passionate about trout fishing. Now anglers must lend support to Inland Fisheries in whatever ways are necessary to make this a meaningful and comprehensive plan. TNS has submitted a list of plan content, which we hope will be included in the final Trout Plan. ********************** Trout Nova Scotia's response to the Inland Fisheries Draft Trout Management Plan |
NS Trout Management Plan Content As proposed by TNS January 2003 NS Inland Fisheries Mission Statement: It is our policy to protect, conserve and enhance the quality and diversity of the fishery resources of this province and to provide continued and varied angling opportunity through scientific inventory, classification and management of those resources. Why is a trout management plan important for Nova Scotia? Economic value of trout fishery Genetic and aesthetic value of wild trout Historical significance, maintain & sustain fishery into future Presence of brook trout as a positive indicator of water quality Provides justification for actions taken on certain watersheds Provides a way to engage angling community Life history and ecology Brook, Lake, Brown and Rainbow trout in NS Status of Existing Trout Fisheries Brook, Lake, Brown and Rainbow trout Angling methods: bait lure fly Stocking Program Brief history Criteria (current stocking policy) Rivers and streams vs. lakes and ponds Potential of rearing eggs from wild fish to prolong life of stocked trout and replenish wild stocks Gathering Statistics (quantitative and qualitative) Scientific research (fish counts, fish size, water quality, etc.) Angler surveys Angler report cards Keeping statistics updated on regular basis Rate of harvest vs. optimum sustainable yield Identify and discuss management techniques Slot limits Bag limits Catch and release Gear restrictions - fly fish only/single hook no bait, pinched barbs Season restrictions - delayed openings/early closures Angling pressure Restrictions to protect spawning grounds Trout Habitat Characteristics of healthy trout habitat Threats to Habitat Forestry practices Agriculture practices/pesticide use Illegal introductions of non-native species ATVs Aggressive residential/commercial development Aquaculture Acid rain Global warming Ways to Address Threats to Habitat Promote Habitat restoration and enhancement Regulations Enforcement Programs - Adopt-a-Stream Identifying and working with partners - other departments - both federal and provincial - DFO, DNR, DOEL, municipalities, developers, farmers, NS Power, other corporations, river/watershed associations, angling community Native Rights & Access to Trout fishery Managing Trout Fishery Rivers and streams vs. lakes and ponds - require different strategies Identifying wild trout watersheds vs. stocking water sheds Education Plan Kids Adults Urban/rural Enforcement Public education programs Riverwatch DNR DFO RCMP Various plans/strategies Introduced species Habitat restoration and enhancement Wild trout Trout enhancement Trout put and take Hatchery Implementation strategy Trout plan to be phased in over 3 years. Should be updated every 5 years Feedback and assessment of plan - may require follow-up survey Value of angling surveys Initial survey to determine angler preferences based on type of fishing Subsequent surveys Excellent way to obtain qualitative information include Resident/non-resident and various types of anglers "If you want to keep them you have to release them." |