To complement the release of new sport fishing regulations, and in recognition of the fact many Albertans are self-isolating in light of COVID-19, the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association (AHEIA) is making its eight-module Alberta Fishing Education Program available online for free.

“Given the current set of circumstances everyone is dealing with, we feel now is the perfect time to release the Alberta Fishing Education Program for free," says Robert Gruszecki of the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors' Assoc., "so that all Albertans can take advantage of this extra time they may have found themselves with while they self-isolate or quarantine at home away from school and work.”

Speaking from experience, Alberta Environment and Parks minister Jason Nixon says it's a valuable course and encourages Albertas to take up the offer.

“Many Albertans are practising physical distancing right now, so what better time to learn about our province’s wildlife?" Nixon said while thanking the AHEIA.

The Alberta Fishing Education Program is the only program of its kind offered in North America. Its aim, beyond providing essential education about fishing in Alberta, is to provide confidence through understanding to better enable more people to responsibly spend time in the outdoors and enjoy and preserve our province’s most beautiful wild places and wildlife.

AHEIA is a not-for-profit organization that works to educate the public on the importance of protecting the places and wildlife cherished by Albertans. AHEIA is the only registered charity in Alberta that provides this type of conservation and outdoor education to the public and has done so since 1964.

You can get more information here.