Alberta scales up protection for trout
Calgary Herald
Friday, October 19, 2012
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
has announced a series of proposed changes to provincial sport fishing
regulations for the 2013 season in parts of Kananaskis Country.
The province has placed new limits for trout catches
along the Kananaskis River, Silvester Creek, Gorge Creek, Picklejar Lakes and
Boulton Creek.
According to provincial agency, the changes are designed
to provide more protection for pure-strain, non-stocked populations of
westslope cutthroat trout.
These fish are native to Alberta and were historically
found only in the southwestern portion of the province, where they occupied
almost all streams and rivers from the alpine to the prairies.
But today, pure populations of westslope cutthroat occupy
only five per cent of their historic range.
Provincial endangered species and conservation committees
have now assessed the status of these trout as threatened in Alberta due to
habitat degradation and loss, introduction of non-native trout species and
overharvest by anglers.
While private anglers' groups have already been made
aware of the proposed changes, officials with Sustainable Resource Development
are expecting to have details about catch and release limits made available to
the public online at a later time.
LINK: Proposed changes to the 2013 Alberta Sportfishing Regulations.pdf
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