Proposed MNR Fishing Regulations

[Gary]

Hi Folks,

There was talk on this board, briefly, about the proposed fishing regulations changes by the Ontario MNR. They have published their proposed changes and are looking for public input. Some highlights for our zone, zone 18 (formerly Divisions 7, 9, 10, and 29): Fishing for bass until Nov. 30th - new to some areas, such as the Rideau, and what used to be zone 10, limits on panfish, and extended seasons for many species in some areas. Also, apparently due to public pressure, they will not be closing all the fish sanctuaries they had planned. Some sanctuaries will remain in place, notably Newboro, Opinicon, Sand, Whitefish, and Big Rideau.

Check out the links below if you're interested.

To get info on the proposed changes and on submitting public input:
www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/fmz/s_zone_18.html#seasons

Proposed seasons and limits for zone 18:
www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/fmz/pdf/Proposed_Seasons_and_Limits_for_FMZ_18.pdf

Gary

[Jeremy]

Hey Gary,

Made my comments about it?
I'm disappointed as I like to use walleye as a food fish for my family. Guess I will just have to pick on Bass and Pike a little more than I used too!!!

They will just keep this going till we can not fish anymore
When are they going to start using the money we give them for fisheries

Jeremy

[grumpy]

Now Now these Ivory tower guy's lay awake nites just to aid and abet the fishing community I just wish that someday they would be on " recieve " instead of transmit

Tony aka Grumpy

[Pete]

I agree with what Jeremy says, about the fisheries monies...They spend it on trout, salmon and walleye restocking but I want to know if they are ever going to start a restocking program for bass.

Pete

[Gary]

Hi,

It seems to me that they are kind of balancing things out. I think for the most part, these are positive changes. They are reducing limits in some areas, likely areas that need it, and they are opening things up for more fishing opportunities in other areas. I guess time will tell, but the MNR does use testing and sampling criteria to propose changes. No doubt there are some political reasons involved with some of the changes, but I think any changes need time to see if they're effective. That's what science is all about. You base projections on current fact and trends and make your best guess. For the most part, I think these guys are pretty good at what they do.

Gary

[Jeremy]

I'm sorry Gary!

I don't agree with you at all on the ministry? Look at the lead ban issue? Look at the way they handle the deer ? How about the spring Bear hunt? Do I need to say more

I don't know what type of science they use

Just my opinion though

Jeremy

[Gary]

Hi Jeremy,

I can't speak on the hunting issues, as it's been some time since I've hunted in Ontario, but as far as fishing is concerned, I do think that they have done a decent job...for the most part. Of course they make mistakes, and some don't agree with what they do, but many fisheries in Ontario are in the best shape that they have been for generations. Many lakes, rivers and streams are cleaner than they've been for a long time. There are more, better quality fish to be had, and habitat improvement projects going on all the time. People are becoming more and more aware of conservation and what must be done to protect our fishing and hunting environments. Although they certainly don't do it by themselves, the MNR has helped in these areas a lot.

As for the proposed fishing regulations changes, I think they make sense. For example, we've got a strong class of smaller fish in many fisheries now, and they need to be harvested. Some ways of doing that are to extend seasons and reduce size limits. They're not making sudden, drastic rules changes, but changes here and there that might, over time, help improve fisheries even more. Not all changes turn out for the good, but I think these ones will be beneficial to the fisheries, and the fisherpeople in the long run.

Do they enact legislation that doesn't make sense sometimes? Sure. But it's my opinion that one cannot discount the ministry and the "good" that they do.

Gary