The Fisheries Amendment Regulations, 2026, made under section 65 of The Fisheries (Saskatchewan) Act, 2020 introduce a series of structural, licensing, and administrative updates to Saskatchewan’s fisheries regulatory framework. The amendments establish a new licensing instrument called a fisheries habitat certificate, adjust angling and related licensing requirements, update fee schedules, expand invasive species listings, and revise the list of jurisdictions relevant to invasive species control.

The regulations replace references to The Fisheries Act (Saskatchewan), 1994 with The Fisheries (Saskatchewan) Act, 2020, aligning the regulatory text with the current legislative framework. A new defined term, “fisheries habitat certificate,” is introduced and formally incorporated into the regulatory structure as a recognized category of licence.

Several amendments integrate the fisheries habitat certificate throughout the licensing system. Sections governing licences are updated to explicitly include this new certificate among regulated instruments. The most significant operational change is in section 11, which revises angling requirements. Individuals aged 16 years or older are now prohibited from angling in Saskatchewan waters unless they hold both an angling licence and an additional qualifying document. That document may be either an annual fisheries habitat certificate, a Saskatchewan Wildlife Habitat Licence as defined under The Wildlife Regulations, 1981, or in the case of short-term angling licences (1-day or 3-day), a corresponding short-term fisheries habitat certificate. This introduces a dual-licensing structure that links angling access to habitat conservation funding mechanisms.

Additional consequential amendments adjust references in enforcement and administrative sections, ensuring that fisheries habitat certificates are consistently included alongside angling and endorsement licences across the regulatory text.

The Appendix is significantly revised. Table 1, which sets out licence fees and expiry dates, is replaced in full. The updated fee structure specifies costs for a range of angling licences, including resident, Canadian resident, and non-resident categories, as well as 1-day and 3-day variants. It also introduces explicit fees for fisheries habitat certificates, set at $5 for 1-day or 3-day certificates and $20 for annual certificates. Certain categories remain fee-free, including veteran licences and complimentary licences. The table also maintains detailed pricing for aquaculture, net fishing, bait fishing, dip net fishing, fish processing, and fish pedlar licences, preserving a comprehensive fee regime across commercial and recreational fisheries activities.

Further updates to Table 10 expand the list of invasive aquatic species by adding Chinese mystery snail, red-rimmed melania snail, big-ear radix, and pond loach. These additions reflect growing concern over non-native species that may impact aquatic ecosystems and fisheries sustainability.

Saskatchewan (174/2026) May 12, 2026
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