Ice-fishing shelters must be gone in 2 weeks
Province directs winter angling enthusiasts to remove structures from ice by March 15
Just as temperatures started climbing in New Brunswick this week, the provincial government issued a deadline for ice-fishing enthusiasts to get their shelters off the ice ahead of the spring thaw.
The provincial Department of Environment and Local Government issued a news release Tuesday announcing that all ice-fishing shelters must be removed from New Brunswick waterways at the first sign of thaw and no later than March 15.
This annual order is made under the water quality regulation of the provincial Clean Environment Act.
“With warmer weather approaching, it is necessary that ice-fishing shelter owners remain vigilant and take timely action to remove their structures,” Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage said in the release.
“Fluctuating and rising temperatures can quickly weaken ice conditions, creating significant safety risks.”
The release said owners of the ice shacks must monitor the stability of ice closely and act by removing shelters in a timely manner.
“Proactive measures not only protect personal property but also help ensure the safety of others and preserve the integrity of our waterways,” LePage said.
Despite the March 15 deadline for ice-shelter removal, though, the department noted that winter fishing season is open until March 31.
Shelter owners are also required to remove any trash or debris around the shelters.
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