I received a response from my MPP in the mail today... in a nut shell, there is nothing there that I didn't know before the mail man arrived. Essentially, it is outlining what we have already been told here by some of the various stake holders.
They have completely begged off anything to do with Native based issues, not there jurisdiction.
Here's a quote...
"Walleye between 40 and 60 centimetres must still be released as is currently required. This "slot" size continues to protect spawning sized walleye. However, stocking Walleye is not enough to bring about the recovery of the Walleye population in Lake Nipissing. We need to address the mortality rate of young Walleye. Reducing the catch limit is a positive first step towards walleye population recovery, but other management actions will be required.
The changes are a good starting point for the development of a comprehensive Lake Nipissing fisheries management planning process that will explore developing objectives and management tactics for the Lake. The reduction in daily catch limits is just one part of a broader long term strategy for Lake Nipissing. In addition to developing a long-term management plan for Lake Nipissing, other management actions we are currently considering include exploration of additional angling opportunities for other species (eg yellow perch) and community based stocking.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is also continuing a dialogue with local First Nations regarding the commercial fishery. At the same time, the Ontario government respects that Nipissing First Nation members have a treaty right to fish commercially on Lake Nipissing, as legally determined in the 1990 R.v. Commanda case."
I wonder if the treaty allows them to empty the lake?
Also, it seems that the MNR want us to fish for perch. I wonder how long before we see a commercial perch harvest, if there isn't one already?
Anyway, there it is...
HH