Prince George, B.C. – The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) are teaming up to ensure anglers play by the rules this summer.

The Ministry of Environment has announced that for the second year in a row there will be extra patrols by conservation officers to address illegal activity and ensure compliance on the province’s lakes and rivers.

According to the ministry: “Non-compliance with the Wildlife Act has a direct impact on fish, the environment, revenues to the society and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, as well as the overall fishing experience in B.C.”

The ministry also says that between May 2015 and November 2015, conservation officers spent an additional 2,017 hours on angling compliance and enforcement activities.

During this period, it says 4,019 anglers and angling guides were checked for compliance and CO’s handed out 599 charges and warnings.

In 2003 the Province signed a 30-year contract with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to be a non-profit delivery partner with a mandate to conserve and enhance fishing opportunities in B.C.

Since April 1, 2015, 100% of freshwater fishing licence revenue has been invested in recreational fisheries, some which the society invested last year to enhance existing compliance, enforcement and education efforts.