Published: August 21, 2006
Last Revision: May 24, 2007

In May Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture, Inland Fisheries Division launched an urban angling program to promote and develop the sportfishery. This program was aimed at youth 12 years old and younger to provide them with the education and skills needed to enjoy sportfishing.

Four sportfishing workshops were held throughout Halifax Regional Municipality. The program had two main components: the classroom presentation consisted of an introduction to sportfish in Nova Scotia, conservation education of freshwater resources, angling education (fishing basics made easy), and an outdoor lesson consisted of a hands-on sportfishing workshop at a lake nearby. All lakes involved in the program were part of our divisions hatchery enhancement program in HRM. The angling education program recruits the next generation of stewards of our aquatic resources, by teaching safe and ethical angling skills to youth.

The first sportfishing workshop was held on Albro Lake in conjunction with the annual Dartmouth North Community Clean-Up. The next workshop was held on First Lake in Lower Sackville with the Boys and Girls Club. The last two sportfishing workshops were held on Kidston Lake in Spryfield, with two grade seven classes from Rockingstone Heights School.

This first ever Urban Angling Program was made possible with the help of partnerships with HRM Community, Culture & Development, Metro Transit, community groups, youth group clubs, sportfishing organizations, and teachers.

Survey results from teachers, youth group leaders, and youth indicate that the program was successful but more time was needed on introducing sportfishing equipment and for youth out on the lake fishing. Surveys indicate that many youth went back to the lake that evening to fish. Teachers explained that concepts and vocabulary were easily understood and complimented their unit on Interactions with Ecosystems.

See more photos from 2006...