Anglers must be off the ice by Sunday
Province issues reminder to remove ice-fishing shelters from waterways by March 3
On a day on which it would be abundantly obvious to even those uninterested in winter angling, the province announced ice-fishing shelters have to be off the ice no later than Sunday.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change advised that such shelters are supposed to be removed at the first sign of thaw, and no later than March 3.
The announcement comes as much of the province is seeing temperatures in the positive double digits Wednesday, with heavy rain in the forecast for the day.
“We are expecting some unseasonably mild weather in the immediate weather forecast, so it is important to be cautious and not wait until it is too late to remove ice-fishing shelters,” Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman said in the release.
“Warmer temperatures can quickly lead to unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions. Owners of ice-fishing structures must keep a close eye on conditions and, if they see signs of melting, remove the shelters.”
Shelter owners are required under the Clean Environment Act to to remove structures ahead of the deadline to ensure they don’t become environmental hazards in the New Brunswick water system.
“They must also remove all garbage and debris,” the release said. “Ice fishers have an obligation to ensure no harm is caused to the environment.”
It also noted that despite the March 3 deadline, the winter fishing season remains open until March 31.
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