Bulletins

AUTHORIZATION FOR LICENCED ANGLERS TO ACT ON THE BEHALF OF THE SUPERINTENDENT UNDER THE CANADA NATIONAL PARKS ACT

Pursuant to Section 33 of the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations C.R.C. c. 1120, I, Leanne COOPER, Riding Mountain Field Unit Superintendent, of the Parks Canada Agency, hereby authorize persons who possess a valid Riding Mountain National Park fishing permit to participate in fisheries management and research to control invasive smallmouth bass by way of angling. As such, the retention of smallmouth bass will not count toward the Aggregate Daily Catch and Possession Limit for game fish. Except for smallmouth bass: (a) overall Length and Limits on Catch and Possession still apply, and the aggregate limit (5) still applies for all other game fish species; and (b) all other applicable sections of the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations C.R.C. c. 1120 are still in effect.

The fisheries management strategy will include, and is limited to, the following actions normally restricted by Section 1: possession of smallmouth bass over the Daily Catch and Possession Limit listed in Column III of Schedule III Part II under item 7.

By removing the game fish limit for smallmouth bass, RMNP aims to restrict the population of smallmouth bass in Clear Lake to reduce predation on other fish and competition for food and habitat with native species. Anglers are asked to retain and euthanize all smallmouth bass, then report their catch and submit smallmouth bass samples at the Aquatic Invasive Species inspection station at the Boat Cove. Parks Canada staff will measure the fish and collect additional information. Afterwards, anglers can choose to keep the fish or donate it for further research on population characteristics like age, health, and diet.

This Letter of Authority is in effect annually during the open season for game fish as described under Section 9 (1) of the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations C.R.C., c. 1120.

Approved: June 15, 2023