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By specifically outlawing attempted snagging, New York is lining up with other Great Lakes states that have almost identically worded regulations.
Snagging has been illegal for more than two years on the Salmon River and other Lake Ontario tributaries, but some anglers still continue to foul-hook or snag fish.
Last fall, expert snaggers stuck to the letter of the law but pointedly ignored its spirit. They continued to purposely rip bare or baited hooks into the bodies of fall spawning chinook salmon and trout, but carefully released all the foul-hooked fish they landed.
Anglers got away with it because state regulations prohibited "the taking" of fish by snagging and required the immediate release of all foul-hooked fish, but didn't specifically bar "attempting" to snag.
But these anglers will now be in violation of the law, and will be ticketed, said a DEC warden.
The Department of Environmental Conservation has adopted a new regulation, listed on page 16 of the 1997-98 New York State Fishing Regulations guidebook.
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New regulation states that "attempting to take fish by snagging, which may be indicated by repeated exaggerated jerking motions of the fishing rod, is prohibited."
Brochures spelling out the rule are being posted at fishing access sites and distributed to tackle shops in Lake Ontario shoreline communities this month.
The DEC will be stepping up its enforcement of the no-snagging rules. DEC officials feel anglers have had two years to get used to this idea, and the time has come for enforcement.
In 1996, conservation officers patrolling tributaries during the September-October salmon spawning run issued more than 100 tickets to snaggers who kept fish. However, those who eased snatched salmon back into the water usually received no more than a warning.
By specifically outlawing attempted snagging, New York is lining up with other Great Lakes states that have almost identically worded snagging regulations.
 Striped Bass Found in Lake Michigan
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Next May, the Canadian government intends to terminate its annual spending of $5 million on the Sea Lamprey Control Program.
The Province of Ontario has returned full responsibility for enforcing federal laws for fish habitat protection in Ontario to the federal government of Canada.
An interim agreement between the two levels of government ended September 18, 1997. Ottawa has shown no interest in a permanent agreement, and we believe the federal government would prefer to enforce fish habitat laws in Ontario, said Natural Resources Minister Chris Hodgson.
As a result, the Canadian government, instead of the Province, will fully retain its federal responsibility under Section 35 of the federal Fisheries Act for fish habitat protection as of September 18.
"We know Ottawa cares about habitat protection," said Chris Hodgson,
Minister of Natural
Resources. "We're confident the federal government will fulfill its constitutional mandate to protect fish habitat."
For the past eight years, Ontario MNR has reviewed plans and proposals for work around fish habitat under an interim arrangement.
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Reprinted Courtesy MNR
MNR will now help people who have proposals for working around fish habitat contact officials at the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
MNR's role is to enforce other provisions of the federal Fisheries Act, such as regulations regarding seasons for fishing and possession limits. As well, MNR enforces provincial legislation and provides the public with assistance on provincial issues. MNR will continue to prosecute fish habitat cases it has already brought before the courts.
MNR remains open to a formal agreement on fish habitat protection if Ottawa wishes to discuss the issue. The ministry feels any discussions should also include dialogue about the Sea Lamprey Control Program. Next May, the Canadian government intends to terminate its annual spending of $5 million on the Sea Lamprey Control Program.
"We're always ready to talk if Ottawa wants to discuss these issues," said Hodgson.
Homing in on a Salmon's signature
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USFWS Press Releases
