Special Management Areas have been used to improve angling opportunities for both smallmouth bass and trout.  Recent and past studies have indicated that brook trout production is limited in Nova Scotia and a change in the provincial trout resource has occurred.  Overfishing is one of the main factors believed to be responsible for declines in fisheries in some areas.  Other factors include habitat loss and competition.  New regulations in Special Management Areas may affect bag limit, season length, length limit of fish retained, and gear type.

Ongoing studies in Nova Scotia and in other provinces and states indicate that special management regulations have been very successful in improving recreational fisheries by increasing the number of larger fish caught by anglers.  In Nova Scotia, ongoing monitoring is required to assess the impact of new regulations on trout and bass fisheries.

Interest in Special Management Areas (SMA's) has increased in Nova Scotia. Anglers have identified potential locations for SMA's  through the Recreational Fishery Advisory Council process.  Anglers that are interested in SMA’s are encouraged to participate in the Recreational Fishing Advisory Councils.