River Watch Fisheries Monitors are not assigned to a specific area. They observe watershed activities all across the province. Participants assume a non-confrontational approach to all situations and are not intended to serve as a replacement for professional fisheries enforcement. They act as a communication link between government and the general public, and help government carry out the mandate to protect aquatic habitat and promote the sportfishing industry.

This community-based volunteer program stresses the relationship between the community and the watershed. It identifies positive and negative activities impacting the watershed, habitat issues and the use and mis-use of fisheries resources. River Watch encourages anglers, landowners, industry and all other stakeholders to join in the protection of fish, fish habitat and the environment.

The principle benefits of the River Watch program are that there will exist an increasing volunteer monitoring effort that fosters an increased pride within the angling community as participants take a more active role in sport fisheries management.

River associations, angling and environmental groups across the province act as host groups for the program, recruit volunteers and hold one day training sessions for the participants. The Tusket River Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada, aided by other Trout Unlimited Canada members and Chapters, most notably the Cumberland County River Enhancement Association Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada in Amherst, will, upon contact, arrange for your group to have the one day training and your members may then join the River Watch program. Each participant attends this one day training session which focuses on the proper observing, recording and reporting of violations, habitat issues, communication, the link between the community and the watershed and the education of others. Each participant is provided with a River Watch manual, hat, crest, log book and public relations cards. A River Watch newsletter is now available.

River Watch is intended to be completely self-sustained and run by the volunteers themselves. It is the hope of the River Watch program that through education, communications, and an increased number of volunteers in the field, that the users and abusers of our natural resources will gain a greater appreciation of their vulnerability and learn to treat them with respect and discretion. To find out more about the program or to join River Watch contact:

Bill Curry, River Watch Coordinator
Tusket River Chapter Trout Unlimited Canada
Box 44, Port Maitland
Nova Scotia, Canada   B0W2V0
Phone: 902-649-2428
Fax : 902-749-5193
or e-mail us at: