E-licensing for Freshwater Anglers Launched
Posted on November 20th, 2007 by BC Ministry of Environment

Purchasing a freshwater fishing licence is easier than ever with the Province's new e-licensing system, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

Penner marked the occasion by purchasing a fishing licence at Robinson's Outdoor Store in Victoria, B.C.'s first e-licence-equipped vendor.

"Freshwater anglers will now have a greater range of choices about how, where and when they purchase their fishing licences," said Penner. "Resident anglers and out-of-province visitors will now be able access licences and fishing information online before they head out for their next great B.C. fishing adventure."

Under the new e-licensing system, developed in partnership with Service BC and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, anglers can purchase their basic freshwater fishing licence, classified water permit or conservation stamps through any computer with Internet access or from any e-licence-equipped vendor.

While the online system has been operational since Sept. 6, 2007, government has been working with Robinson's in Victoria and Highwater Tackle in North Vancouver through the fall to pilot the new system for vendors.

During the transition period, anglers can still purchase traditional paper licences from their favourite tackle shop. In addition to giving anglers greater choice and flexibility about how they obtain licences, the new system will greatly improve the efficiency of the freshwater licensing system and provide government with better information about recreational effort and angler preferences. This information will be used to help ensure that recreational fishing programs and lake and stream stocking activities are tailored to meet angler demand.

Anglers can purchase fishing licences at www.fishing.gov.bc.ca or at one of one of four e-licence-equipped vendors. More e-licence-equipped vendors will be added to the system during the next several months.

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