Tuesday, September 23, 2003

On September 23, 2003, it was confirmed by staff of the Inland Fisheries Division of the N.S. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, that a smallmouth bass (approximate size 30cm, approximate age 5 - 8 years) was reported to have been caught from Lake Ainslie. The smallmouth was caught in the Scotsville area (NE Lake Ainslie). Reports indicate that at least 3 smallmouth bass were caught from Lake Ainslie this year.

Lake Ainslie is a well known Brook Trout lake located on Cape Breton Island and is the headwaters for the South-West Margaree Rivers. We have seen what has happened to Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon in mainland lakes and rivers where Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel have been illegally introduced over the years. Will The Margaree suffer a similar fate in the future? We hope not. But if these illegal introductions are not stopped, expect the worst!

As a result of this action at Lake Ainslie, the NSSA is offering a $1000.00 reward to anyone providing information that leads to a conviction of anyone illegally releasing live fish into Lake Ainslie, Nova Scotia.

Moving fish from one lake or stream to another can negatively affect local fish populations through competition, disease or genetic changes.

No one is allowed to release live fish into the waters of the province, except under a license issued by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Report illegal fishing activities or introductions to your local office of the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-565-2224, or Department of Fisheries and Oceans at 1-800-565-1633, or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-565-TIPS (8477).

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