Recently, the province announced improvements to its angling regulations, including the implementation of a new salmon tag which will make poaching activity more difficult.

Besides the tamper-resistant plastic seal which locks through the salmon’s mouth and gills, the new procedure requires anglers, using a knife or clippers, to cut and remove the date of the capture on the tag as soon as a fish is retained. This way, the tag cannot be reused, even if the seal is unlocked. If you’re caught with a fish but without the date being indicated on your tag, you can be charged.

Environment and Conservation Minister Charlene Johnson also said the department addressed the issue of “passing the rod.”

The new amendments will allow salmon anglers to pass the rod to other anglers so they may participate in “playing” the salmon, but the individual who hooked the fish must either tag or release it. Licensed guides demonstrating angling techniques are also required to release any fish they hook, regardless of who played it.

“We are committed to the sustainable use and conservation of all wildlife resources in our province, including salmon,” said Minister Johnson.

“Recreational salmon angling is an important activity for both resident and non-resident anglers. The improvements our government has made to angling regulations and the new tag system will allow a clearer understanding of the rules and is responsive to the interests of the majority of anglers within our province.”

The salmon angling season opens June 1 in Newfoundland and June 15 in Labrador.