The Province ( MOE) is planning to add a Sturgeon Stamp for 2008.
They say the $$ will go towards Sturgeon, however as noted on all the other stamps you pay for there is NO proof from them that this happens.
There is NO reason for this stamp as the information taken now by guides covers all they require.
If MOE needs these $ to evaluate the sturgeon, why now and not 20 years ago? Now this is a proven fishery and a catch and release fishery due to guides and anglers demanding this be, one cannot but wonder if this is not just a straight cash grab.
It is my understanding that they would like to implement a stamp similar to the steelhead stamp, which would cost residents an additional $25.00 plus tax per year and there is no day or two-day stamp. If they succeed the stamp will cost the non-resident or non-resident aliens an additional $60.00 plus tax and again no daily stamp available. ( So if you are from Alberta, think about adding $60.00 for a couple of days fishing).
The Province is proposing evening meetings to be scheduled in the following places Surrey on May 14th, Chilliwack on May 15th, Williams Lake May 23rd and Lillooet on May 24th and an information bulletin will be out about this soon.
I guess there are no people who fish Sturgeon on Vancouver Island or the Interior??
I would think that a number of questions need to be asked at these meetings.
Example, on ALL the other stamps example Steelhead, from the date these were instituted show us the amount of money raised per year and the expenditures of this money.
We need to see this for ALL stamps already out there.
This should be public information now and shown on MOE's site for all.
What is the reason for this stamp? How long is this stamp going to be in place?
Bend over again anglers.