QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Dec. 13, 2012) - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announces that the groundfish ice fishing season on the Saguenay River will open on January 19, 2013, and close on March 3.

For the safety of those participating in ice fishing, DFO emphasizes that access to fishing sites is conditional on ice thickness, and in accordance with municipal regulations.

Each person is allowed to catch a maximum of five groundfish per day of any type, with the exception of Atlantic halibut, Greenland shark, Atlantic wolffish, northern wolffish, spotted wolffish, shellfish and crustaceans. These species must be returned to the water.

To ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources and to allow the continuation of ice fishing activity in the future, fishers must abide by the regulations in force.

The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that all hikers, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice during icebreaking activities as shifting ice may create a danger for anyone in the area.

Please note that Canadian Coast Guard spring icebreaking operations on the Saguenay River will begin on or about March 11, 2013.

For more information on groundfish ice fishing, visit www.qc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/

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