FREDERICTON (GNB) – Ice-fishing shelters must be removed from all provincial waterways no later than March 8 in the southern part of the province and by March 15 in the northern part. The southern part of the province includes the counties of Albert, Carleton, Charlotte, Kings, Queens, Saint John, Sunbury, Westmorland and York. The northern part of the province includes the counties of Kent, Gloucester, Madawaska, Northumberland, Restigouche and Victoria.
It is important to note that ice fishing season is open until March 31.
“With warmer weather this season it is important to proceed with caution,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman. “We urge owners of ice-fishing structures to keep monitoring the conditions.”
Owners are responsible for removing their structures before the respective deadlines to avoid causing an environmental hazard by having possible waste and debris in the province’s waterways. They must also remove all garbage and debris. Ice fishers have an obligation to ensure no harm is caused to the environment
The annual removal order falls under Section 15 (7) of the Water Quality Regulation of the Clean Environment Act.
“We will be working closely with the ice-fishing community to ensure that no debris is left in our waterways,” said Crossman.
Signs are posted at popular ice-fishing sites, reminding shelter owners to respect regulations and to properly maintain their shelters until the end of the fishing season.
The department encourages all New Brunswickers to be responsible stewards of the environment, and to report any infraction of environmental regulations.
More information relating to ice-fishing shelters is available online.
03-03-21