Catch, don’t release invasive fish - province

Recreational anglers are being urged to aid environmental efforts by keeping five species

The provincial government is calling upon recreational anglers to help balance - ahem - the scales of environmental justice by keeping fish they catch from five invasive species causing damage to ecosystems.

New Brunswick’s Department of Natural Resources issued a news release Tuesday afternoon to inform recreational anglers of new responsibilities they’ll need to fulfill to aid in the effort to eliminate five invasive species.

A black crappie. (Photo: iStock)

“Anglers with recreational fishing licences will be required to keep five specific invasive fish species in certain fishing areas,” the release said.

“This aims to stop the spread of these fish and help protect natural ecosystems.”

The five species are: black crappie, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, muskellunge and smallmouth bass in specific waters.

In the capital region, the main fish of concern is the black crappie, the province’s website indicated. For more information on which species are problematic in which areas of New Brunswick can be found on the province’s website.

“This new initiative reflects our commitment to protecting New Brunswick’s native species and their habitats,” Natural Resources Minister John Herron said in the release.

“Anglers must do their part to help safeguard our aquatic environments. Every effort makes a difference in preventing these invasive fish from taking over.”

However, the government isn’t just encouraging recreational fishers to help out - it’s requiring them to do so.

“Anglers may be subject to fines ranging from $100 to $500 for releasing them back into the province’s waterways,” the release said.

“In addition to competing for food with the province’s native species, these invasive fish are also known to eat some of the native species, disrupting the ecological balance.”

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.