Weh-Sees Indohoun Special Zone - The MFFP confirms the abolition of the Weh-Sees Indohoun Special Zone

CHIBOUGAMAU, QC, March 29, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP) is announcing the official abolition effective April 1, 2018 of the Weh-Sees Indohoun (WSI) special hunting and fishing zone.

Established in 2003 to prevent the overexploitation of wildlife resources linked to the development of the Eastmain-1-A and Sarcelle major hydroelectric power projects and the diversion of the Rivière Rupert, the special zone is no longer warranted since the vast majority of workers have left the territory. In point of fact, wildlife harvesting data collected since 2003 indicate that the abolition of the zone will not affect the long-term survival of wildlife resources.

Impact on sportfishing
Starting April 1, 2018, sportfishing enthusiasts will no longer be required to obtain access rights to fish in the rivers and water bodies located until now inside the WSI zone. However, they must possess a Québec government fishing licence.

For each species, the catch and possession limits for zones 22 North and 22 South will apply according to the location of the fishing site. Anglers must also abide by the regulation in force in each sector, in particular the regulation adopted following the publication of the provincial yellow walleye and lake trout management plans. To consult the regulations, please visit the MFFP website https://www.mffp.gouv.qc.ca/faune/chasse/ . Moreover, a minimum of three water bodies in the zone will be selected for inclusion in regional and provincial monitoring. Indeed, the MFFP regularly collects data, especially on aquatic species, to ensure the efficacy of its regulations and management plans for different species. It has committed itself to submitting the monitoring results to the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee (HFTCC).

Impact on sport hunting
As for sport hunting, hunters who are not beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) will be subject to the legislation and regulations in force in this territory. They must, therefore, possess a Québec government hunting licence and comply with the regulations applicable to each sector and species. To consult the regulations, please visit the MFFP website https://www.mffp.gouv.qc.ca/faune/chasse/.

Among the most notable changes pertaining to moose hunting, it should be emphasized that sports hunters can from now on benefit from a bow hunting pre-season. Furthermore, hunting will now be allowed in the Eastmain sector. Hunters will  also be allowed to harvest female moose once the provincial regulation allows it. 

Needless to say, all non-Aboriginal hunting and fishing enthusiasts must continue to abide by the rules established by the JBNQA, especially with respect to the land regime categories.

To obtain additional information on the MFFP and its activities and achievements, please visit mffp.gouv.qc.ca and the social networks:
https://www.facebook.com/ForetsFauneParcs 
https://twitter.com/MFFP_Quebec

Source:
Renée Nolet
Communications Advisor
Direction générale du secteur nord-est
819-763-3388, ext. 244

SOURCE Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs

Renée Nolet, Communications Advisor, Direction générale du secteur nord-est, 819-763-3388, ext. 244