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How a European cargo ship kills a Great Lakes loon June 26th, 2009 Erin Anderssen / The Globe and Mail Two years ago, a tiny shrimp-like creature with a creepy name – the bloody red mysid – was discovered in Lake Ontario, the latest in a long line of foreign invaders believed to have arrived by cargo ship through the St. Lawrence Seaway. Ravenous, it travels in packs and upsets the food chain wherever it takes up residence. It’s still too early to predict how much damage the bloody red mysid will do to its new home, but scientists aren’t about to rule out the worst. They know this from experience. Here is how researchers believe that one early interloper, travelling in the belly of a boat from another continent, has led to thousands of loons washing up dead on the shores of the Great Lakes. 1. A freighter leaves a European port, bound for ports such as Duluth, Minn., on the southwest shore of Lake Superior, or Thunder Bay, to the north. Sloshing around in the bowel of the ship is a muddy mix of sand and water – the ballast used to maintain the vessel’s stability as it traverses the oceans. The amount of ballast depends on how much cargo the ship is carrying, but even fully loaded ships that technically need “no ballast on board” – called NoBObs – still have some leftover slop in their holds. Foreign freshwater species from ports near rivers are pumped in with the water, and because of faster travel times, they survive the ocean crossing. On one occasion at least – but probably many more times – the stowaway is a striped, freshwater mollusk, the quagga mussel, or its cousin, the zebra mussel. 2. The freighter makes it way up the St. Lawrence, through the locks and canals, usually offloading its cargo at ports such as Hamilton as it moves west through the system into Lake Superior, dumping its ballast as needed. Sometimes the foreign marine life dies: The season is off, or its numbers are too small, or the location proves inhospitable. “An invasion is a roulette wheel spin,” says Anthony Ricciardi, a biologist at McGill University in Montreal. “You may not get in on the first try, but keep trying and you get in.” This time, the species gets in, and flourishes. Soon, zebra mussels, first discovered in Lake St. Clair, have hopped into the other lakes, carried by other ballast loads or hitching a ride on the hulls of various boats. 3. Zebra mussels spread like a contagion across the lake bottom, sucking life out of the water, filtering everything around them. They probably breed undiscovered for a decade or more. To boaters above, the lakes seem clearer, when, in fact, a deathly brew is stewing. With more light and the waters warming, weedy algae called Cladophora begin to grow. (The algae do their own damage: In 2007, weeds clogged intake pipes and forced a nuclear-power plant in New York State to close three times.) 4. When the algae die and decompose, they suck oxygen out of the water, and in that environment, the botulism bacteria thrives. It, in turn, is sucked up by the voracious quagga and zebra mussels. 5. The only fish that eats the mussels is itself a non-native – the round goby, an aggressive bottom-dweller that scientists believe also was probably introduced by transoceanic ships in the early 1990s. 6. The goby eats the botulism-carrying mussels and then along comes the loon, fishing for its dinner. The goby, especially if it is sick and slowed by the bacteria in its system, makes for an easy catch. The botulism spreads to the loon. 7. The loon dies , to be found belly-up on shore. Scientists call this “invasional meltdown.” Since the St. Lawrence Seaway opened, 57 non-native species are believed to have invaded the Great Lakes through the ballast of ocean-crossing ships. New regulations require all ships to flush out their tanks before entering, but biologists point out that, unlike chemical spills, it takes only one ballast dump to introduce an environmentally disastrous life form. Scientists such as Dr. Ricciardi are now watching for the arrival of another species dubbed the “killer shrimp” – which is tiny and insatiable, and snacks on much larger creatures. “It’s an amazing little beast,” he says. “That one might cause trouble if it gets over here.” How much trouble, scientists can’t be certain. After all, when zebra mussels were discovered in 1988, no one was thinking of loons belly-up in 2007. “Who could have predicted that?” Dr. Ricciardi asks. “We can figure it out now, we think. But risks assessment of the zebra mussel would never have considered that. You put some invaders together, you change some conditions around, you mix it all together and you get this witches’ brew that leads to ecological surprises like this.”

An Erie odyssey June 19, 2009 Chip Martin / London Free Press The year 2009 marks two significant anniversaries for the Great Lakes. One hundred years ago, Canada and the United States signed the Boundary Waters Treaty to settle disputes about the lakes, banning diversions and calling for an end to cross-boundary pollution. The International Joint Commission (IJC) was established to oversee the boundary waters. And 50 years ago this month, the St. Lawrence Seaway opened. It linked the interior of North America to the major ports of the world, shaving transportation costs and providing a huge boost to the economies of both Canada and the U. S. As these milestones are marked, a group of 14 journalists from both countries embarked on an eight-day odyssey around Lake Erie, the southernmost of the Great Lakes, to assess its condition today. The tour, sponsored by the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources, focused on the environmental health of the shallowest of the Great Lakes and whose shore is the most heavily populated. A wide array of experts A DRAIN TOO FAST? Before we hit Lake Erie we're taken aboard a cadet ship on the St. Clair River, where we're brought up to speed on a lingering issue on the upper lakes that could be a precursor to problems on Lake Erie--water levels. In faraway Georgian Bay, it's explained, cottagers are looking with alarm at their receding shoreline. They hired engineers to discover why. The experts attributed lower levels in Lake Huron to dredging work in the St. Clair River south of Sarnia undertaken by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers back in the 1960s. The Canadian engineers say the dredging sped the flow of the river, which drained too much water too quickly from the upper lakes. They suggested construction of "speed bumps" to slow its flow. A long-awaited report issued May 1 and funded by the IJC recommended no remedial action and attributed a temporary increase in river flow to a major ice jam that scoured the river bottom in the mid-1980s. The report noted a change in climate patterns has resulted in less water being supplied to the upper lakes in recent years. As for the Georgian Bay situation, it said a rebound in the Earth's crust from the weight of ice from the last glaciers was responsible. These conclusions didn't please Mary Muter of the Georgian Bay Association Foundation. "We find these findings premature," Muter told environmental writers aboard a cadet ship in the St. Clair River. Ironically, her group pushed for the study to be speeded up and delivered a year ahead of schedule. "The future is grim once you factor in climate change," Muter said. She conceded that while fluctuation in water levels is good for the lakes, Lake Huron is now 4 cm below its long-term average. Muter suggested water turconvened at various stops along the way for panel discussions on the challenges facing the lake, once left for dead. Sun Media was represented on this journey of discovery byLondon Free Pressreporter Chip Martin. For good reason. London, a landlocked city, once viewed Port Stanley as its port and connection to the world of maritime commerce. And London draws on the lake for drinking water as well as Lake Huron. Lake Erie is home to the greatest freshwater fishery in the world, its relatively warm and nutrient-filled bines installed in the riverbed might slow the flow and produce green energy. John Nevin, a strategic policy adviser with the IJC in Washington, conceded further research is needed but the binational agency's position is "no remedial action at this time." Now, on to Lake Erie itself. DEAD ZONE RETURNS Lake Erie is in trouble. Don Scavia, director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan, puts the situation this way: "The Dead Zone of Lake Erie is back. Big time." More frequent flooding and intense rainstorms are sweeping phosphorous and other nutrients into the Great Lakes. Once in the lake, phosphorous needs oxygen to decompose, stripping the lake bottom of the oxygen it needs to sustain life. The Dead Zone is restricted to late in the summer in the central basin of the lake between Point Pelee and Turkey Point. It had all but disappeared after the cleanup that followed the discovery of the lake's poor health in the 1960s and 1970s. But, since 1996, Scavia said, phosphorous runoff from farms has been on the rise, particularly from the Maumee and Sandusky rivers in Ohio. He suggested no-till cultivation may have led to high levels of phosphorous in the soil, which is unleashed in torrential downpours. "We may have to tell farmers to stop no-till cultivation," Scavia said. Linda Mortsch, a senior researcher with the Meteorological Service of Canada, said "warming of the climate system is unequivocal." There has been a human component in that for the past 50 years. She predicted average temperatures in the Great Lakes region will be from 1.8 to 4 degrees warmer. That, she said, will reduce lake levels because with less snow cover in winter and hotter summers, evaporation will increase. UNFRIENDLY FARMS Factory farms, known in Midwest States as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), are on the rise. In northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, the trend toward such mega-farms is an environmental concern because they add to already high concentrations of phosphorous, nitrogen and other nutrients. They also produce air emissions of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide and fine particulate matter that creates problems for asthmatics. Dairy farms, which are most problematic, can have 6,000 waters teeming with fish. Its islands and archipelagos are magnets for migratory birds. Cities along its American shore are industrial giants while, across the lake, Ontario's commercial fishery is a $250-million-a-year industry. Lake Erie and all the Great Lakes are under growing pressure from development, agricultural runoff, invasive species and more recently from thirsty jurisdictions anxious to tap its waters. All these pressures will increase in coming years with climate change that may alter Lake Erie--and its four sisters--forever. A trend toward factory farms in states bordering Lake Erie is causing concern among environmentalists because of the huge amount of manure they produce. When spread on farm fields for disposal it overloads streams and rivers running into Lake Erie with oxygen-robbing nutrients. This diary operation near Hudson, Mich., has nearly 5,000 cows and has run afoul of environmental laws for its handling of cow waste cows or more, each capable of producing as much waste each day as 23 humans. A 6,000- cow herd in one day produces as much waste as the Michigan capital of Lansing. In Michigan, there are 218 CAFOs, one of which -- at Hudson -- has been cited for environmental irregularities. "These are a large challenge for the state of Michigan," said Steven Chester, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The Vreba-Hoff dairy farm in Hudson, which has nearly 6,000 cows, has been fined $220,000. Dairy spokesperson Cecilia Conway concedes the fines were the result of "some mistakes" in handling manure. Chester said the main concern with CAFOs is the impact on water and groundwater in a state that derives half its drinking water from wells. He said the Vreba-Hoff farm is likely the largest in the state and it is one of the few that treats its sewage. Conway said the operation produces 20 million gallons of manure every six months and with new treatment methods has been able to reduce pathogens and nutrients in it by 80%. "We have moved forward" in better treatment," she said. THE SNAKE IS BACK The Lake Erie water snake is the comeback kid in Lake Erie's western basin. Once persecuted as a scourge, the non-poisonous reptile was common on the Lake Erie islands off Ohio, Kelley's and the Bass Islands. A relative, the northern water snake, inhabited Pelee and other Ontario islands to the north. Widespread extermination reduced the snake to a mere 1,200 by the 1980s and earned it "endangered species" status in Ohio and "threatened" in Ontario. Since then, a careful plan to protect it -- docks have been changed to make them more snake-friendly, and other measures -- have helped the snake bounce back. About 12,000 can be found in the islands, thanks to research at Ohio State University's Stone Lab on Gibraltar Island. The islands were first known as the Serpent Islands by French explorers. There has been resistance to the conservation effort but the snakes are once again thriving, a testament to conservation and education efforts and a positive sign for other species considered at risk in the western end of the lake. CHALLENGES FOR THE FISHERY The fishery in Lake Erie has rebounded sharply and fishermen on both sides of the border complain about quotas for yellow perch and pickerel (known as walleye on the American side). At Stone Laboratory on Gibraltar Island, the travelling journalists learn the Americans allocate their quota to sport fishermen while Ontario gives most of it to the commercial fishery. A trip aboard a fisheries boat shows how abundant fish are when a trap net dragged for just a few moments produces a healthy yield of a great variety of fish. Researcher Jeff Reutter says the warm water and abundant food sources are responsible for the lake's amazing productivity. But the Maumee and Sandusky, major Ohio rivers, are significant sources of phosphorous and other nutrients that lead to algal blooms and a loss of oxygen in the lake. PART 2 The Port of Cleveland has seen better days. So has shipping on the Great Lakes. After the failure of many rust-belt industries that once relied on it for iron ore from the Lakehead, the port needs ship traffic. It developed the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame as a tourist attraction and explored container traffic, "heavy lifts" and cold storage. Attempts to start a ferry service to Port Stanley have stalled because the Ontario port is full of silt. Cleveland also wants to redevelop its portlands, but traffic on the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes is at half its capacity. About 120 Great Lakes freighters and 150 ocean-going "salties" ply the lakes. But due to invasive species carried in ballast water in the "salties," the future of shipping is uncertain. The Canadian government has banned discharges of ballast water without treatment by flushing to kill off such pests as zebra and quagga mussels. But on the U.S. side, each state has enacted its own rules that may soon prevent ships calling at such ports as Chicago and those in Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania. Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers Association, said Washington must set consistent rules: "Our quality of life and jobs are at stake." Steve Fisher, executive director of the American Great Lakes Ports Association, which represents "salties," agrees: "State laws on ballast water will kill shipping into some states." Weakley says lake shipping saves $3.6 billion a year in transportation costs because it's economical compared to rail or highway options. PRESSURE FOR DIVERSION Climate change is expected to make the U.S. southwest drier and hotter, increasing demand for Great Lakes water. At the same time, some expect lake levels to drop. In his book, The Great Lakes Water Wars, environmentalist Peter Annin warns the next great struggle for humankind is the demand for water, not oil. As a result, pressures are mounting on the lakes system, with 18% of the world's supply. Annin, leader of the Lake Erie odyssey, wonders how strong the Great Lakes Compact, which bans water diversions from the lakes, will remain amid unrelenting pressure from outside the region. HYDROKINETICS AT NIAGARA In the hunt for green energy, some folks think they can squeeze even more power out of Lake Erie water as it flows into the Niagara River and over the Falls. On the Canadian side, a new tunnel is being bored to tap the power of moving water in a $1-billion-plus project. On the U.S. side, pilot licences are being issued to operators who want to install turbines on the river bottom to tap the energy potential in moving water, a system known as "hydrokinetics." Houston entrepreneur and businessperson Wayne Krouse, chairperson of Hydro Green Energy, has another idea to tap the energy in the fast-flowing river beneath the falls. He wants to anchor barges in the river and suspend from them an array of five to 10 large turbines apiece. The Niagara turbines would produce 70 megawatts of power, enough to run 21,000 homes, and cost $140 million. Krouse said he's not concerned by the Niagara's legendary ice jams, which in the late 1930s took out the Honeymoon Bridge in Niagara Falls. HARNESSING WATER At Niagara Falls, authorities on both sides of the border are tapping its hydroelectric potential so much, they had to come up with a plan to ensure enough water was still going over the falls to make it attractive for tourists. At night, in off-peak tourist times, the fall of Lake Erie water over the falls is reduced to 50,000 cubic feet per second. That amount is doubled when tourists are on hand. Balancing the need for electricity and tourism revenue is almost as tricky as the balance demonstrated years ago by tight-rope walkers who used the falls as a backdrop. HARNESSING THE WIND Other attempts to harness green energy can be found in the 66-turbine Erie Shores wind farm near Port Burwell and the newer 44-unit Kruger Energy farm near Port Alma. Ontario hopes to phase out coal generation and replace it with one-third renewable, one- third nuclear and one-third hydro-generated power, a plan American journalists on the Lake Erie tour found startling. The $200-million, 99-megawatt Erie Wind Farms venture had the American journalists snapping photos and wondering if they were looking at Erie's future on their side, where some proponents have talked of locating similar turbines just offshore. COMMERCIAL FISHING The commercial fishery on the lake was the focus of a visit to Wheatley and Kingsville. On the American side, the commercial fishery is tiny, the states having allocated walleye (pickerel) and white perch quotas primarily to sport anglers. In Ontario, the bulk of the quota goes to commercial fishers who operate out of Wheatley, Port Stanley, Kingsville and Erieau in the western section of the lake. Mike Morencie of the Natural Resources Ministry notes Ontario anglers have 250,000 lakes from which to choose. So commercial fishers have Erie, where they're highly regulated. There are 208 commercial fishing licences, with 70 tugs in an industry that employs nearly 2,000. Quotas for the Erie catch are set by the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission and based on scientific monitoring. But Peter Meisenheimer, of the Ontario Commercial Fisheries Association, said his group wants "open and transparent and accountable management." CULLING CORMORANTS Environmentalists have lodged a complaint of discrimination against Parks Canada for its decision to reduce the cormorant colony threatening Middle Island. Without natural predators and with abundant food supplies, cormorants have thrived on Middle, East Sister and Middle Sister islands. Their excrement, called guano, has killed trees and other vegetation, prompting concerns they may destroy the islands and other species there. There are some 5,000 nesting pairs on Middle Island, which Parks Canada hopes to reduce by two-thirds or more. Environmentalists went to court to stop the cull, but failed. Linda Wires, a research fellow at the University of Minnesota, argues the birds are native to the region and should not be touched, pointing out they occupy only 3% of the islands in the Great Lakes. Liz White, of Cormorant Defenders International, said no cull is justified -- ever. "Government bodies are now promoting persecution," she charged. "And Parks Canada has participated in demonizing these birds." The journalists aren't allowed to visit Middle Island, but step ashore on nearby East Sister Island, whose vegetation is dying off. The cormorants are nesting, the smell of their guano strong. MANAGING SPECIES We catch up to Marian Stranak, superintendent of Point Pelee National Park, who says: "This is a conservation story, this is about saving an island. Nine "species at risk" could have been wiped out without a cull. Stranak said parks officials have faced "a drastic and dire situation" on Middle Island, where three cormorant nests were first seen in 1987. Today, there are 5,000 nests. Parks Canada and other agencies celebrate most birds in the region, a major migratory route. Eco-tourism has been a major driver behind the success of Pelee National Park and nearby Hillman Marsh. ECO-TOURISM The national park, founded in 1918, once drew 750,000 visitors annually to its beaches and cottages. But by the 1970s, it refocused on preserving the environment after losing several native species. Today, about 250,000 visitors are drawn to its marshes and its point, the southernmost part of mainland Canada. Of those, 60,000 are birdwatchers. FOR THE BIRDS At Point Pelee, the journalists learn of efforts to return the national park to its native state and enhance the birdwatching experience. We couldn't resist venturing as far south as possible on the southernmost point of mainland Canada, even though we had spent nearly two days on Pelee Island even farther south. At nearby Hillman Marsh, bird-bander Bob Hall-Brooks of the Essex County Field Naturalists was retrieving migratory birds from nets to record their size and band their legs. He said the work helps researchers understand the migratory behaviour of birds, many of which travel incredible distances. POST-SCRIPT The tour of Erie painted a picture of a Great Lake beset by environmental challenges. Since the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 and the opening of the Seaway 50 years ago, Erie has thrived, died and rebounded. And it may be facing trouble again. Whether the most resilient of the Great Lakes can cope with the worrisome challenges on the horizon, including global warming, remains to be seen.

Hunting and fishing images may be viewed as animal cruelty U.S. Supreme Court case threatens Outdoor Industry, anglers and hunters June 29, 2009 / www.great-lakes.org A case to be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States might result in serious problems for any person, outlet or entity that shows or sells depictions of hunting and fishing activities. Taking, selling or publishing images of hunting, fishing or trapping could mean felony charges and jail time for journalists, photographers, magazine publishers, television show hosts and producers, Web content publishers, hunters and anglers, in general and many more. This summary and the documents listed below explain the serious risk the government's case against Stevens poses to those who produce depictions of hunting and fishing activities. Summary of the Case UNITED STATES of America v. Robert J. STEVENS, Appellant. No. 05-2497 Robert J. Stevens of Virginia was convicted of criminal charges for producing and selling films about dogs. Stevens' conviction was overturned as a result of a Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision that said the law relied upon to convict Stevens was unconstitutional. Stevens may still go to prison. The case is now being heard by the Supreme Court of the United States. The outcome could be devastating to all journalists and specifically to the traditional outdoor sports of hunting, fishing and trapping. The Third Circuit struck down a federal law banning "depictions of animal cruelty." 18 USC 48. The statute does not ban acts of animal cruelty themselves (and so this case is not about such actions). It bans images of animals being hurt, wounded or killed if the depicted conduct is illegal under federal law or illegal under the state law either (i) where the creation of the depiction occurs, or (ii) That means that a picture taken of the killing of an animal during a hunt (perfectly lawful where it occurred) could be a federal felony crime if that picture is sold or possessed somewhere in the United States where hunting (or the particular type of hunting, i.e., crossbow)is prohibited. As the court of appeals explained, the law now makes it a federal felony to buy a picture of bullfighting in Spain or an image shot by a journalist of a hunter or angler taking a shot at a legal game animal or catching a fish ― if that action is unlawful anywhere in the U.S. The law creates an exception if a jury finds that the images have "serious" value. The government defined "serious" as "significant and of great import." The result accordingly is that all depictions of animal killings that might be unlawful somewhere in the U.S. are now presumptively federal felonies, with the only hope of protection being that a jury in San Francisco (or wherever an eager prosecutor wants to go) agrees that the images are "significant and of great import." The government and Humane Society, which is pushing this issue hard, are trying to paint this as a case about dog fighting, since that incites peoples' emotions. It's about the First Amendment. Mr. Stevens is a 69-year-old hunter and Pit Bull dog lover from Southern Virginia. He is a published author. He has no criminal record at all ― other than this conviction. He has been sentenced to more than three years (37 months) in prison for making films, nothing else. A prosecutor hauled him to Pittsburgh, perhaps because obtaining a conviction in rural Virginia would be difficult, to prosecute him for: one documentary he made about training catch dogs for hunting (called "Catch Dogs"); and two documentaries he made about Pit Bulls and their fighting history. For that, Stevens faces spending three years in federal prison. Of particular concern to the hunting and fishing industry is the fact Stevens' prosecution rested on his film "Catch Dogs," which showed how dogs are trained to help catch prey (wild boar, etc.). The film shows a dog making a mistake in trying to catch a hog, but does so with Stevens talking over the images about the training mistake and explaining what should be done to teach dogs to catch prey properly. There is no allegation that Stevens engaged in dog fighting or any acts of animal cruelty. Nor is it even alleged that the images depicted in his films were illegal when taken. Furthermore, he did not take the images himself, but edited together films taken by others ― films that were recorded in Japan, where the conduct is perfectly legal, and from historic films from the ‘60s and ‘70s in rural America. To be sure, the latter two films contain extensive images of dog fighting. But Stevens is not a dog fighter, he opposes dog fighting, but loves the traits in Pit Bulls that made them fighters. Stevens' films were made to document the strength, endurance, and similar features of Pit Bulls to support his argument (made at length in his book) that Pit Bulls make great hunting dogs, protection dogs, and schutzhund (strength contests) dogs. The case has the potential to make it a felony to sell or publish images of hunting, fishing, trapping, and virtually anything else that's ruled as a "depiction of animal cruelty." For more info view these links: Decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in United States v. Robert Stevens Brief in Opposition – filed before the U.S. Supreme Court The Professional Outdoor Media Association, a writers group comprised of mainly hunting and angling journalists is playing a leading role in informing the public of this issue, largely because they are at risk as they pursue their vocation and assignments if the Humane Society prevails in court. POMA is also encouraging journalists and others to sign on to the First Amendment Brief defending the Constitutional rights of hunters and anglers as they pursue the culture of traditional outdoor activities.

Here's one study on the topic.... Study: Soft plastic lures harm trout, salmon

Waterdown Gardens charged in spill Prompted dirty water warning June 30, 2009 Daniel Nolan / thespec.com FLAMBOROUGH -- A Troy-area compost company faces charges in connection with a wastewater spill that has been the subject of a nine-month investigation by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. The ministry announced today it has charged Waterdown Garden Supplies Ltd. with violating the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Environmental Protection Act in connection with a spill from a lagoon on Oct. 5, 2008. That spill -- allegedly caused by a hole in a berm around a wastewater lagoon -- may have sent dirty water into Barlow Creek, prompting warnings to the Grand River Conservation Authority, Six Nations, area health units and water treatment plants. The ministry had ordered the company to conduct an engineering study on the berm's stability. The Highway 5 company is accused of discharging, causing or permitting the discharge of material into Barlow Creek that may have impaired the quality of the waterway contrary to Section 30 (1) of the Ontario Water Resources Act. It is also accused of discharging, causing or permitting the discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment that caused or was likely to cause an adverse effect contrary to the Section 14 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act. The company, owned by Bill (legal name Wim) Van Ravenswaay, 53, of Smithville, is scheduled to appear before court in Hamilton Aug. 5. On April 8 this year, the ministry was alerted to wastewater escaping another berm, a spill the ministry says Waterdown Gardens failed to report as required. It says the company has also failed to submit a report on a study of that berm breach. Both alleged violations were referred to the investigation branch. Waterdown Garden Supplies Ltd. was fined $50,000 for 10 environmental violations in April 2008.

Beauty, you were halfway to limiting out.

Some great shots ther Maureen, I think I only snapped 3. Would be happy to see any more you have.

Hey I like that first picture.

It was a pleasure to have you in the boat Rob, I just wish things had turned out a little better for you. Always room for you when you need it. Now I know you have a camera load of pictures so please feel free (hurry up) and share some more.

Well I got to hear all the stories up close and personal with all the expected excitement (almost made me want to go out in the rain....LOL) but seeing the pictures sure does bring in the visual aspect. Was great to see you both again.

I've picked up a few small things and Mike over at Fishing World was very generous for us (again) when I went in to speak to him yesterday.

It'll be great to see you again Roger, I'll be there sometime tomorrow (morning) as well.

Since it's for the two of yous how bout "Sue-Me"

Hopefully they'll be a few , more reports after the upcoming weekend. Congrats to Toby.

Brunswick Expands Consumer Support, Makes Canada Eligible For Marine Industry’s First Payment Protection Promotion; Canadians Can Use Option When Buying Any of 12 Boat Brands June 12, 2009 / www.brunswick.com LAKE FOREST, Ill., June 12, 2009 – Building on dealer and consumer sentiment in the U.S., Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), is expanding its Payment Protection promotion, which will make the monthly boat payments for those buyers who may unfortunately lose their jobs due to current economic conditions, to customers in Canada. Canadian boat buyers can now choose to purchase from among 12 of Brunswick’s well-known boat brands participating in the promotion, which continues through July 24. The list of brands includes Bayliner, Maxum, Triton and Trophy fiberglass boats; Cypress Cay and Palmetto Pontoon; Harris FloteBote, Kayot as well as select models in the Crestliner, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft and Triton aluminum boat lines. The qualifying monthly payments can go up to $500 for the Bayliner, Maxum, Triton and Trophy fiberglass boats, and up to $250 per month for all other aluminum brands. Customers must take delivery of their new boats by July 26, 2009. Under the Canadian Brunswick Payment Protection promotion, these participating Brunswick boat brands will pay up to six months of payments if the boat buyer loses his or her job within a year after the boat purchase.Brunswick Corporation, the world leader in marine manufacturing, is the first company in the marine industry to launch such a large-scale payment protection program, taking its cue from similar efforts that have been used successfully in the automotive industry by Hyundai, Ford and General Motors. “We are pleased to offer this popular option to Canadian boaters. In doing so, we are not only addressing an important market, but also responding to our dealers and consumers,” said Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dustan E. McCoy. “In today’s economy and challenging marine market, it is important to do what we can to alleviate consumer concerns over many issues, including the potential of job loss. We wish to restore confidence for the Canadian boat buyer, and let them enjoy the water with family and friends this summer. As the leader in the marine industry, Brunswick is tireless in our pursuit of quality products and advances for the boating industry. Part of our commitment is to be innovative and resourceful in all aspects of our business, including offering attractive financing and insurance options to boat buyers.” About Brunswick Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity"™ in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Ornvik, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables. For more information, visit http://www.brunswick.com. Contact: Dan Kubera Director – Media Relations and Corporate Communications Phone: 847-735-4617 Email: [email protected]

GENMAR HOLDINGS, INC. FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION June 1, 2009 / www.genmar.com Genmar Holdings, Inc. (Genmar) announced today that it has filed for Chapter 11 reorganization protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Irwin L. Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of Genmar, stated, “I have been in the boating industry for over 30 years, and throughout those many years, I have personally experienced several of what I thought were the worst and most difficult business conditions our industry had ever gone through. However, those conditions do not even remotely resemble anything close to what has taken place in the retail and wholesale recreational boating industry over the past approximately 12 months. If someone would have said to me as recently as even one month ago that Genmar would someday be filing for Chapter 11, I would have said it was not even a remote possibility. I’ve always looked for ways to enhance Genmar’s balance sheet and felt that even though business conditions were incredibly difficult, there were alternatives available. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the necessary time to complete any alternative financing acceptable to the banks. I am sure none of that is necessarily comforting to those individuals and/or companies who are being affected by Genmar’s filing for Chapter 11. Although it’s impossible for me to try to anticipate and/or answer in this press release all of the questions that I am sure are being asked by our Genmar dealers, vendors, and employees, it is important that every interested party affected by Genmar’s situation knows that we plan on successfully reorganizing and ultimately coming out of Chapter 11 as a stronger and better company with a bright and stable future ahead in the recreational boating industry. Surely it’s going to be very difficult for most people to understand and/or anticipate the stressful days, weeks, and months ahead. I know I can speak for everyone within Genmar, including myself, that we are fully committed not only to getting through the very difficult and stressful times that are ahead of us, but we’re committed to attempting to do everything humanly possible throughout the Chapter 11 proceedings in trying to help each Genmar dealer, vendor, and employee as best we can. I have every reason to believe that GE Finance will continue their Genmar dealer floor plan financing program subject to the Court’s approval, which will take place over the next few days.” Jacobs further stated, “We believe that Genmar will have access to sufficient cash and has current assets available to support our ongoing businesses to service and build dealer boat orders and pay our vendor suppliers on future purchases promptly. Genmar has received a commitment for Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing proposal from the Wells Fargo and Fifth Third banks that will be submitted for approval to the bankruptcy court in the first bankruptcy hearing scheduled to take place within the next few days. Additionally in the first court hearing, Genmar will be asking the bankruptcy court for approval to allow Genmar to pay appropriate dealer warranty and rebate claims. Genmar currently has over $100 million of current assets as well as substantial additional fixed assets and intangible assets that we believe will allow Genmar to come through and exit the Chapter 11 proceedings as a financially stable and strong company with a great future ahead of it in the boating industry. Further, Genmar will be submitting an overall reorganization plan for approval to the bankruptcy court as soon as possible, which will include the necessary details for all interested parties to better understand Genmar’s short and long-term plans and objectives in ultimately successfully exiting the Chapter 11 proceedings. It’s our intention to do everything we can to protect and support our valuable Genmar brands which will ultimately allow Genmar to exit Chapter 11 and continue to be a leader in the recreational boating industry.” About Genmar Holdings, Inc. Genmar, with approximately 1,500 employees and five manufacturing centers, is the builder of 15 premier brands of recreational boats which include, Carver®, Champion®, FinCraft®, Four Winns®, Glastron®, Hydra-Sports®, Larson®, Marquis®, Ranger®, Scarab®, Seaswirl®, Stratos®, Triumph®, Wellcraft®, and Windsor Craft®. Genmar boats are sold worldwide through its approximately 1,100 dealers.

Lake Surveys Will Help Manage Fisheries Natural Resources Crews Monitoring Northeastern Ontario Lakes For Immediate Release June 18, 2009 NEWS Provincial fisheries staff are out on northeastern Ontario lakes this summer, monitoring their health and gathering information to help manage fish populations effectively. Teams of biologists and technicians have collected samples from about 60 lakes to test for water quality and invasive species. Crews recently began biweekly angler surveys by plane. Starting June 22, crews will begin netting surveys on about 60 inland lakes. If you're on a lake that is being monitored and see Ministry of Natural Resources buoys, please avoid recreational activities in these areas. All nets will be clearly marked. QUICK FACTS This is the second year of a five-year cycle to collect information for fisheries management. Over five years, the ministry will monitor approximately 500 lakes across the Northeast Region. Crews will conduct netting surveys in 30 lakes in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 11 (around North Bay), 20 lakes in FMZ 8 (near Timmins and Kirkland Lake) and nine lakes in FMZ 10 (north of Elliot Lake). About 1.4 million anglers fish in Ontario each year. They spend more than $2.3 billion in the province annually. For More Information Jeff Amos, Northeast Science and Information, 705-235-1214 Media Desk, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106 General EnquiriesNatural Resources Information Centre 1-800-667-1940 TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)

Handle with care: Releasing fish to survive June 21, 2009 Sam Cook www.duluthnewstribune.com We called upon three veteran and trusted guides—one for muskies, one for lake trout and one for walleyes— to describe how they handle and release fish to increase odds for survival. Here are their tips: Muskies Dustin Carlson, Northland Muskie Adventures Guide Service, Duluth, Minn. Before you catch the fish: “The most important thing is to have a big net. It’s important to scoop it up in a net and have a large net that can support a 50-inch fish.” Handling the fish: “Do not take it out of the water. You always want to have your tools in the boat—a bolt-cutter and long needle-nose pliers to remove the hook.” Try the bolt-cutter first cutting the hook as close as possible to the bend. “You want the least amount of hook exposed in the mouth,” Carlson said. “Use the needle-nose if the hook isn’t buried. Keep your hands away from the fish’s mouth. Twist the hooks out without holding onto the bait. Take the bait out of the net before you grab the fish to take a picture of it.” Measuring the fish: A plastic “bumpboard” with a stop at one end is the most accurate way to measure a fish. Wet the board before laying the fish on it so you don’t remove the fish’s slime covering. Photo time: Lift the fish into the boat with the net. Slip one hand underneath the gill cover. Rubber gloves will protect your hands. “It’s very important to support the fish with the other hand toward the middle of the fish and lift it horizontally,” he said. The release: “Try to keep her horizontal,” Carlson said. “Lay her in the water very gently. Hold her by the tail and let her sit in the water. Sometimes I’ll wiggle her or rub her belly. That seems to calm them.” When the muskie is ready, she will slowly swim away. Trout Jim Hudson, Hudson’s On the Spot Guide Service, Bayfield, Wis. Releasing lake trout: “The biggest thing is the waves and getting them underneath the waves so they can get oriented,” Hudson said. “In a small boat, stop the boat and get their head underneath the wave. If they just sit on the surface, they’ll be disoriented and they’ll die. “On bigger boats, it’s a problem because you can’t get them down to wave height. The best thing I’ve seen is to ‘spear’ them down into the water. Grab them by the tail and hold them [with your other hand] near their pectoral fin. When you get into the trough of a wave, spear them down. That immediately sends them into the ‘get-the-heck-out-of-here’ mode.” Consider the live well: “If you have a live well, put them in there,” Hudson said. “Have someone keep them upright and keep the water flowing over them. You’ll see them get their strength back.” Photo time: “You have to hold tight on the gill plate [with one hand] and either near the midsection or the anus with the other hand to cradle it, to support its weight. If it’s grabbed by [just] the head or the tail, you can hear that vertebrate pop [and the fish will die],” Hudson said. “If you hold the fish more vertically, support it with your hand or your legs.” Walleyes Mike Berg, Seagull Creek Fishing Camp, Grand Marais, Minn. Removing hooks: “If they’re hooked down deep in the gullet, the popular belief is to cut the line. I go in with a needle-nose [pliers] through the gills. You put the needle-nose on the shank . . . twist against the bend of the hook, then it’s out of the gullet. Then I release the hook and pull the pliers out. The hook just pops out. It’s a lot better than sticking the needle-nose straight down into the gullet.” Holding a fish for a photo: Berg prefers a two-handed lift, with one hand just inside the walleye’s gill cover— avoiding the gills themselves— and another hand supporting the lower part of the fish. “It’s definitely better than a vertical hold. You don’t have all that pressure on the fish’s head,” he said. The release: First, lower the fish to the water with both hands. “Hold onto the tail real lightly at the very skinny part of the tail,” Berg said. “Kind of keep the fish there. A lot of people hold on too hard and too long. She’ll kick and go when she’s ready.”

Lord I had to look that one up which of course made me giggle when I read this.... "Only superficially relevant" That's emoticon for *grin* Garry.

The Prince "S" "Thrice Lucky" "3 Times a Lady" ok that's bad! "Third Times a Charm" Keep in mind if I was good at this my boat would already have name....

Since this new boat will obviously be a source of pleasure I suppose "Miss Stress" is not quite fitting.....LOL

Those are indeed some great looking musky Clive, as johnnyb said "very green". Good of you to point out the 10 fish limit Roy....LOL Over all a great report. I wish I had half of your energy and drive.

Congratulations Cliff, I'm very happy for you and Sue. It sounds like a beautufil craft and I hope you and your new lady become very intimate. A round of applause for Roy, Marc and Luc. Speaking of ladies I just spoke with Wayne and he's had your ole gal out several times already and is very, very happy. His boys are also pleased to be out catching fish with thier dad, a round of applause for you too.

I'll take the liberty of responding for the Capt. (with all due respect Kevin), yes Jocko that is the place.

I'd say she damn well had! Good on her and thanks for taking the time to share that with us Kevin.