Sport Fishing Survey Launched

Nova Scotia anglers will be invited to participate in a national sport fish survey this month.

The 2005 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, co-ordinated by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, will be sent to randomly selected anglers. The survey will gather data on trends in species sought, catch rates, angler preferences, and spending habits.

"This is a great opportunity to hear from anglers and collect information on sport fishing activities," said Chris d'Entremont, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The survey results will provide important information on the value of the fishery and help government plan future programs."

In 2000, Nova Scotia's 75,372 anglers fished 1.2 million days, 78 per cent of which were in fresh water and 22 per cent in salt water. Anglers spent $56.5 million on the sport in 2000 with $21.3 million spent on supplies and services. Brook trout was the favourite species, followed by rainbow trout and smallmouth bass.

The survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada started in 1975 and is carried out every five years.

The executive summary from the 2000 survey is available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/sportfishing/sresults.pdf .