Youth/Disabled Accompanied Waters Regulations

Engagement Summary

Some bodies of water in B.C. were “age restricted” meaning that the only people who can fish there were those under 16 years old, or those with a valid non-tidal Angling Licence showing either B.C. Senior or B.C. Disabled.
 
The previous regulation prevented adults (including parents) from angling with youths under 16 years old. Under the new Youth/Disabled Accompanied regulation, up to two accompanying adults can accompany one youth or one disabled angler.
 
The public was invited to share their comments on this proposal, assisting the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations in ensuring the regulation fits the needs of families.
 

Timeframe:

November 9 – 23, 2012
 

Input Received:

The regulation was unanimously supported by all major angling stakeholder groups in British Columbia.
 

Input leads to action:

On Feb. 6, 2015, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations announced regulatory amendments to the Wildlife Act in support of mentoring young anglers. The Province has amended the regulations for age-restricted waters by making them available to anglers of all ages, provided they accompany a youth under the age of 16 or a disabled angler who is actively angling. Many of the waters that are subject to this new regulation – now referred to as “youth accompanied waters” – are stocked with catchable rainbow trout, providing an above-average angling opportunity for newcomers to freshwater fishing.
 
Disabled and Senior anglers are still permitted to angle unaccompanied on “youth accompanied waters.” However, now they can be accompanied by up to two anglers that were not previously permitted to fish on these waters.
 
Fishing is a great family activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and expert anglers are a great teaching resource for those just becoming interested. Passing on angling knowledge is important in maintaining the social, economic, and environmental benefits associated with a recreational fishing culture in British Columbia.