Who Manages Fishing Licenses and Tags for Pigeon Lake?
Alberta Fish and Wildlife decides what fishing licenses are issued and manages the sale of all fishing licenses, both online through AlbertaRELM and through private license issuers. Alberta Fish and Wildlife offices make decisions about the number and types of tags that are given out for specific lakes and fish species. The Government of Alberta also manages the issuance of Special Harvest Licenses (SHL), which determine the number of fish tags an individual can receive for a specific species, such as the Walleye special fish harvest draw that occurs.
Fish and Wildlife regulations and resources
Who is Alberta Fish and Wildlife?
Alberta Fish and Wildlife is a division within the Government of Alberta, particularly within the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas (EPA). Fish and Wildlife are responsible for collecting data and managing conservation efforts surrounding wild species and their habitats, within Alberta. This includes assessing populations, especially species at risk, providing hunting and fishing licenses while enforcing the rules, and finally ensuring conservation of these areas of fish and wildlife.
What is the Fish Conservation and Management Strategy for Alberta?
The EPA, and thus Fish and Wildlife, is responsible for determining which fish can be harvested within Alberta Lakes by using the Fish Conservation and Management Strategy for Alberta. These decisions also consider factors such as scientific data and stakeholder input. Data from species management plans also help guide these decisions, as it provides information on population health and status goals of each species of fish in the province.
Fish Conservation and Management Strategy for Alberta
What is the federal Fisheries Act?
The Fisheries Act is a federal document that decisions within the province have to abide by. In other words it enables the decisions made by the EPA to be made. The Act is a national guideline for fisheries that ensures protection of the resources through sustainable and healthy practices, management and enforcement, thus avoiding misuse of these resources.
How to get a fishing license?
You can get a fishing license through Alberta RELM, which you need an account to log into, and a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN). Tags are required specifically for walleye, when using a Special Fish Harvest License. The online purchase can be ordered through the mobile App, through alberarelm.com, or by calling. The license will expire each year on March 31st.
Make sure you carry your fishing license with you if you are fishing or transporting fish. The exceptions for needing a license include youths under 16 years of age, Alberta residents 65 and older, and Fist Nations Persons.