January 25, 2008

The Journal Pioneer

A resource beyond value
Advisory committee is travelling across the Island this year fishing for public input on how to capitalize on the Island's recreational fisheries

It's enough to cause even seasoned anglers to rub their eyes in disbelief - streams as narrow as a metre holding good-sized trout.

Biologist Daryl Guignion says it's not uncommon for brook trout to spawn in waters shallow enough to expose a fish's fins. Virtually any stretch of flowing water connected to the sea will hold trout.

The Island's abundance of cool, spring-fed waters that don't freeze in the depths of winter or dry up in searing summer heat are ideal for rearing trout and salmon.

Rivers and streams are facing threats from a number of sources including soil runoff and destructive land-use policies, he cautioned. But the building blocks for an angler's paradise are there if those problems can be addressed.

"It's beautiful habitat. This is a resource precious beyond value," said Guignion, a member of the recreational fisheries advisory committee.

Their task is to write a report on the feedback they've received from consultations held throughout the province this year.

The rest of the article is available here:
http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=101699&sc=118