FREDERICTON (GNB) – Almost $90 million is expected to flow into the provincial economy during the next 10 years as a result of the public auction of Crown angling leases held March 13.

"The Crown angling leases represent a small fraction of Crown-owned salmon angling waters in New Brunswick, but the impact will be huge in rural areas where these leases are located,'' said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup. "The provincial government will earn a minimum of $7.5 million in lease rents during the next 10 years, while it is estimated these leases support about 200 jobs during the angling season and pump more than $8 million annually into local economies."

The auction took place in Fredericton and featured live onsite bidding as well as bids from online participants. It was the first time online bidding had been used in the 130-year history of the auction.

The leases account for six per cent of Atlantic salmon angling waters in New Brunswick. In comparison, 45 per cent of all Atlantic salmon angling waters are open water owned by the Crown or Crown reserve waters available only to New Brunswickers.

Lessees are required to hire assistant conservation officers and other staff. The lease rent increases annually to reflect inflation, so the bids accepted March 13 are the minimum the province will receive after the first year.

Sixteen river leases and a lease for Dicks Lake in Kings County were auctioned.

A complete list of the successful bidders is on the Department of Natural Resources website.


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