Spiel

The king of all invaders April 09, 2008 Jeff Alexander / The Muskegon Chronicle Chronicle file photo / Zebra mussels, above and quagga mussels have been called by some scientists the most harmful of all exotic species imported into the Great Lakes. Scientists say foreign mussels' damage make it the worst of all Great Lakes' exotic species Two decades after zebra mussels were discovered in the Great Lakes, some scientists are calling the foreign mollusks the most harmful exotic species ever to invade the world's largest freshwater ecosystem. Several prominent researchers contend dreissenid mussels -- zebra and quagga mussels -- have caused more profound changes in the lakes than sea lamprey, which decimated lake trout and other native fish species in the mid-1900s. "In terms of the whole food web, I don't think there's any question that zebra and quagga mussels have had the largest impact on the biological communities of the Great Lakes," said Tom Nalepa, a research biologist at the federal government's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor. Sea lamprey only affected fish at the top of the food chain. Zebra and quagga mussels have caused profound changes at all levels of the food chain in every Great Lake except Superior, Nalepa said. David Jude, a research scientist at the University of Michigan, said sea lamprey caused more harm to Great Lakes fish than any other exotic species. Jude said sea lamprey would have eliminated lake trout from the lakes, and possibly other fish species, if the federal government didn't spend $15 million annually to kill the eel-like invaders. In terms of overall impact on the lakes' ecosystems, Jude said dreissenid mussels are the king of change. "I think the sea lamprey wreaked the most havoc on fish, since they drove lake trout to extinction in four of the five Great Lakes," Jude said. "But on any other account you wish to use, dreissenids win." Chronicle file photo / Zebra mussels, left and quagga mussels were imported from Europe in the ballast of freighters. Imported from Europe in the ballast water of transcontinental freighters, dreissenid mussels have caused a myriad of profound changes. Zebra and quagga mussels have: - Clogged water intakes at power plants and municipal water treatment facilities, adding about $2 billion to the cost of producing electricity and clean drinking water. - Dramatically increased water clarity, but at the expense of algae and other plankton. The mussels hog plankton, which comprises the base of a food chain that supports most aquatic life in the lakes; Contributed to a precipitous decline in prey fish, which has caused larger predatory fish -- whitefish and salmon -- to shrink; - Fueled algae blooms that have fouled beaches, killed countless fish and more than 70,000 fish-eating birds, including bald eagles and common loons; - Spawned toxic algae blooms that cause taste and odor problems in drinking water and pose potential health threats to humans, fish and wildlife. Toxic algae blooms have surfaced in parts of lakes Erie and Huron and on inland lakes from Michigan to New York, including Muskegon and Bear lakes. In recent years, quagga mussels have replaced zebra mussels across much of the Great Lakes. Unlike zebra mussels, which prefer warmer water and hard surfaces, quaggas can live on hard or soft surfaces and in the frigid depths of the lakes. "Quagga mussels are probably the most ecologically significant perturbation that has ever been documented in Lake Michigan," said Gary Fahnenstiel, senior ecologist at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory's Lake Michigan Field Station in Muskegon. Because zebra and quagga mussels occupy the middle of the Great Lakes food chain, they affect species above and below them, Fahnenstiel said. "They've totally altered the system," he said. The mussels are just two of 185 exotic species in the Great Lakes. About 120 of those species were imported by ocean ships that discharged ballast water from foreign ports into the lakes, according to government data. After zebra mussels shut down the water treatment plant in the city of Monroe in 1989, the U.S. and Canadian governments required some ocean ships to flush ballast tanks with sea water before entering the lakes. But those regulations only applied to about 15 percent of ocean ships, and the number of exotic species has continued to increase. Starting this year, all ocean ships must flush ballast tanks with salt water from the Atlantic Ocean before entering the Great Lakes. The U.S. Congress and the Coast Guard have been working for years to develop rules requiring ocean ships to clean ballast tanks with filters, heat or chemicals. Shipping industry officials have been reluctant to install costly ballast water treatment systems until there is a standard they must meet. Chronicle file photo / Zebra and quagga mussels have contributed to a decline in prey fish, which has caused larger predatory fish like salmon and whitefish to shrink in size. As politicians, bureaucrats, shipping industry officials and environmentalists debate the best way to keep ocean ships from importing more exotics, the existing invaders continue to cause profound changes. Despite the numerous problems they have caused, zebra and quagga mussels have had some beneficial impacts, Jude said. By changing the water chemistry of the lakes and concentrating most of the fish food on the lake bottoms, Jude said the mussels are returning lakes Michigan and Huron to their more natural condition. But the fact that the mussels are hogging much of the food at the bottom of the food chain does not bode well for fish at the top, Nalepa said. "Something has to give," he said. "In Lake Michigan, which has such a huge biomass of quagga mussels, that energy has to be take from some other component of the food web." There were 881 million pounds of prey fish in Lake Michigan in 1989, the year zebra mussels were discovered in the lake. Last year, that figure dropped to 66 million pounds, a record low for the second straight year. The volume of zebra and quagga mussels in the lake went from zero in 1989 to 540 million pounds last year, according to government data. Quaggas mussels now account for 99 percent of all mussels in Lake Michigan, Nalepa said. Quagga mussels are suspected of decimating a shrimp-like organism called diporeia in lakes Michigan, Huron and Ontario. Diporeia was the most important source of food for prey fish in the lakes, the small fish eaten by salmon and lake trout. Quagga mussels are suspected of contributing to the 2004 crash of Lake Huron's salmon population. Charter boats on Lake Michigan have caught near-record numbers of salmon the past two years, but the fish are much smaller than 20 years ago, according to anglers and state data. Drew Morris, a second generation charter boat operator in Muskegon, said zebra and quagga mussels have affected the size of salmon in Lake Michigan, water clarity and the techniques used to catch fish. "It's completely changed how we fish," said Morris, owner of Margie J Sportfishing Charters. "We're obviously hoping the mussels don't disrupt the food chain to the point that we lose the salmon." Morris said Lake Michigan is now clearer than he can remember in the four decades he's been fishing and swimming in the lake. That's good for swimmers but bad for anglers trying to sneak up on fish. "I was cruising outside the south break wall (at Muskegon) a couple of years ago and I could see the bottom of the lake -- it's about 28 feet deep at that point," Morris said. "I was never able to see the bottom of the lake at that point. It looked like the ocean."

....I fish center pins, have for nearly 30 years. Had no idea I was a "centre pin elitist morons". Don't you mean "sots", I think it'd be more fitting.

....Bestest of the belateds to you douG.

....Always there for you Bud.

....BINGO !

Bait operators complain MNR rule has them on hook April 9, 2008 http://www.saultstar.com A fatal infectious disease in fish is the biggest challenge ever faced by a group that represents provincial bait operators. Sixty-five harvesters, each employing two to six workers, in an area that stretches from Windsor to Parry Sound, have taken a serious economic hit following Ontario government efforts to limit the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia. VHS causes fish to bleed to death. "It's put people on the welfare line," said Michael Bennett, president of the Bait Association of Ontario. "It's disastrous." The Ministry of Natural Resources stopped allowing bait fish to be commercially harvested from the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River in January 2007. The move also stopped live fish from being shipped to waters north of Highway 401. Bennett, speaking following a meeting with Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield at the Holiday Inn in Sault Ste. Marie Saturday, suggests his members are the scapegoats for an illness he's not convinced exists. "There's no science on it as far as I know," he said. "Nobody's even looking into trying to find out what it's all about. I haven't seen one case yet where they can show me a bait fish that's got VHS. Not one. "(My members) can only move bait to a certain area, yet anglers can go out and put a minnow net anywhere they want and pick up minnows and take them. We've got our hands tied." Still, he's optimistic "we're going to sit down and work it out" with the government. Cansfield said her ministry is working with Bennett's group on VHS. Both groups are waiting for reports about the disease. The first study is expected back by early May. "They're as concerned about this virus as we are," she said. "We're not going to make any precipitous decisions without good information. That information has to come to both of us and then we'll work together (and) make some decisions." It's too soon to consider compensation for affected bait operators, she added. VHS has been found in the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River, Lake Erie, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Fish affected include walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and white bass.

ONTARIO RELEASES CHINESE VERSION OF FISHING REGULATIONS

....What, you lose my number Dave? You only had to ask....lol

Yamaha Marine Group Announces Lengthened Warranty Period on Parts and Accessories Martin Peters / fishingworld.com (Apr. 03, 2008 - Kennesaw, GA.)... Yamaha Marine Group announced today, that effective January 1, 2008, it has lengthened the limited warranty period for Yamaha Marine replacement parts, accessories, instruments and gauges sold by its authorized dealers. Customers will now receive a full one (1) year of warranty coverage, from date of purchase, against defects in materials or workmanship, for pleasure use, direct from Yamaha, subject to certain exclusions and limitations. Moving from the previous 90 days to a full year’s limited warranty coverage on most of these items is a comfort for our customers and serves to further Yamaha’s reputation for quality," said John Rigsby, Yamaha Marine Group national sales manager. "Now our customers have the same length of warranty period on over-the-counter parts, accessories, instruments and gauges as they would if the parts, accessories, instruments or gauges were dealer or builder-installed prior to original registration of the boat and engine package." As with any limited warranty, certain exclusions and limitations apply and are clearly detailed in the Yamaha Outboard Genuine Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty statement. "The majority of our parts and accessories enjoy this longer limited warranty period, and our customer will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it," said Rigsby. Yamaha Marine Group is the sole distributor for Yamaha Marine products in the United States. It supports over 2,200 dealers and OEM partners with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and accessories and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine has won the marine industry’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. For more information, call (800) 88-YAMAHA .

Bass Pro Shops To Open 3rd Canadian Store As Signature Anchor At Lac Mirabel Jenna Kendall / fishingworld.com (Apr. 01, 2008 - Montreal, Canada)... Bass Pro Shops, ranked the #1 Outdoor Retailer in America by Sporting Goods Business Magazine, today announced that it is continuing its retail growth with the opening of an outdoor superstore at Lac Mirabel. The store is scheduled to open in fall 2009. Lac Mirabel is a joint development between Gordon Group Holdings, LLC and Morgan Stanley Real Estate. The approximately 150,000 square foot store will be the signature anchor for the state-of-the-art 1.4-million square foot Lac Mirabel retail entertainment complex located along Highway 15 outside Montreal. "With the project now well under way, many leading retailers, like Bass Pro Shops, are considering Lac Mirabel as one of North America’s most unique retail shopping environments," commented Sheldon Gordon, Chairman of Gordon Group Holdings. "We are excited to welcome Bass Pro Shops to Lac Mirabel--they are a retail experience like no other and their addition will attract many other world class retailers and shoppers from around the world." In January of 2008 Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris was recognized as the "Innovator of the Year" by the National Retail Federation for the companies unique store concepts and designs. Unique exterior and interior motifs have branded Bass Pro Shops as visually appealing, high quality outdoor stores. The outdoors is brought indoors with massive log and rock work, large aquariums and water features stocked with native fish species, along with an extensive collection of museum quality fish and wildlife exhibits, historic photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. They also feature free outdoor skills workshops for adults, kids, and families, as well as conservation education. "Canada has long been known for its great sporting tradition and outdoor heritage and this opportunity at LacMirabel allows us to further extend our destination retail stores as well as our full line-up of Tracker boats into this tremendous outdoor market," said Bass Pro Shops President Jim Hagale. "This store will be designed and themed as a tribute to the Canadian outdoors and a celebration of the sporting men and women of the region." The Lac Mirabel store will offer outdoor enthusiasts 3 acres of shopping excitement with the area’s largest selection of equipment and clothing for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, outdoor cooking and more. A gift and nature center will also serve up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture. An expansive boat showroom will feature Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Grizzly, and Tahoe boats built by Tracker Marine Group--the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing boats. A boat service center will also be available. "Bass Pro Shops is a trend-setting, major destination retailer whom we are very pleased to be associated with at Lac Mirabel," said Mark Bratt of Morgan Stanley Real Estate. "With its Vaughn, Ontario location serving as one of Bass Pro Shops’ top performing stores, we look forward to the impact its anchor presence will have on both retailers and visitors alike as we continue to move ahead to develop Lac Mirabel as one of Canada’s most distinctive attractions for shopping and entertainment." Bass Pro Shops retail stores are rated as top tourist destinations. Over 90 million people visit their stores annually. Their stores are the top tourist attractions in Maryland, North Carolina, and Missouri. Bass Pro Shops, known for hiring associates that have a passion for the outdoors, is expected to employ approximately 300 people at Lac Mirabel, many of whom will come from the local region. Employment information is available in the career opportunities section of the basspro website.

Fishing in Canada just became more difficult Sunday, April 6, 2008 Steve Pollick / toledoblade.com Lake Erie fishermen and boaters who cross into Ontario waters this summer will have to report their activities to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at least by telephone and even perhaps in person. That is the word from CBP authorities, who are stepping up homeland security on the Great Lakes boundary with Canada. The invisible line is going to become seriously visible to government terrorist-watchers. Just how much reporting you will have to do on each trip "over the line" depends on what you do "over there" and what kinds of planning you have done in terms of documentation. And just be glad you are not a charter fishing guide; CBP has upped the reporting ante big time for charter fishing businesses, to the point that many skippers angrily vow to skip fishing in Canada altogether because of the additional hassle. So far, about the only thing you can do without having to report is straight-course running. An example would be cutting a corner of the boundary, on a run from Port Clinton to Detroit. Other than that, be prepared. As of the close of government business on Friday, a decision is pending from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CBP's parent agency, about how seriously to classify sport fishing. If sport fishing is ruled to be similar to simple navigation, there will be no need to report as an individual on returning from Canadian waters. But a vessel-return report by phone still will be needed. All of which is critical to the fleet of western Lake Erie walleye and smallmouth bass fishermen. For decades they have prowled the Ontario-side islands and reefs in the western Lake Erie basin all but unfettered, and they have seen agency surveillance and checking increase only incrementally until the last year or so. If fishermen are left off the reporting hook, as far as needing to report individually, all that must by done is to call in the return of the boat to a U.S. port. In Ohio and Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, that can be done toll-free at 1-888-523-BOAT. In the Detroit area dial 313-393-3793 or 313-393-3949. In any case all vessel arrivals at U.S. ports must be called in. Most of the extra burden from now on will revolve around the circumstances under which you must "present yourself for inspection" under federal immigration rules. "One of the big changes this year is that CBP has stopped taking oral declarations of citizenship," summed Chief Ron Smith, of the Detroit CBP field office. Many of the other rules being enforced this year have been in place since at least 2002, but the massive security reorganization of customs, immigration, and border protection under the DHS umbrella has taken till now to hit home here. So, documented declaration of citizenship will be required any time you actually land or are "grounded" in Canada - that is, tie up at a dock or marina and have to pass through Canada Customs. That includes stopping for bait or a fishing license at Pelee Island or running across to a north-shore marina at such places as Wheatley, or Colchester, or Kingsville. CPB is allowing a one-document option, most generally a valid U.S. passport for Americans, or a two-document option, generally a valid driver's license and birth certificate. You will need to keep such documents with you when crossing to Canada if there is any chance you will actually land there. If you do land in Canada, on your return to port in the U.S. you have to present yourself for inspection. The easiest way to do that is to obtain in advance an I-68 certificate, or Canada Border Boat Landing Program. If you land in Canada and have an I-68 certificate you can report yourself by phone when you report a vessel at the above-listed numbers. An I-68 must be obtained in person at a CBP office at a cost of $16; it is good for a year. You must bring along three passport-size photos [most mega-pharmacies offer them for about $8 in five minutes] and your citizenship documents [passport or birth certificate and driver's license]. You will have a fingerprint made of your right index finger. The whole I-68 process takes about 15 minutes. If you want to minimize hassle on the water, make an appointment with the regional CBP office and get an I-68 now. In Toledo, the CBP office is on the fifth floor of the Ohio Building, 420 Madison Ave., 419-259-6424. In Sandusky dial 419-625-0022, and in Cleveland 216-267-3600. If you already hold a NEXUS card -a Trusted Traveler Card - it is as good as an I-68. But NEXUS cards are not being issued in Ohio or Pennsylvania now, CBP said. If you do not have an I-68 certificate and you do land in Canada, on your return to a U.S. port you must report to CPB in person at one of their offices, or call in on a videophone called OARS, for Outlying Area Reporting Station, which can be used 24/7. Best have your citizenship papers with you too. On western Lake Erie the OARS phones are located at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island, Brand's Marina in Port Clinton, and Cedar Point Marina. The next nearest one among 12 on the lake is at East 55th Street in Cleveland, but CBP supposedly is working on adding more. Lake Erie is a focal point because of its relatively small size, structure, and concentration of fishing, said Brett Sturgeon, a public affairs officers for the CBP field office in Chicago. That is especially so in the relatively narrow western basin, where much of the fishing and boating activity also is concentrated. "That's part of what we're up against," added Sturgeon. He explains the regulations are not bureaucratic harassment. "I certainly hope people don't think it is. "By legitimate business entities [and recreational boats] reporting their arrival to CBP, it allows CBP to concentrate our resources on individuals and vessels who fail to report their arrival and/or are engaging in illicit activities." Sturgeon said, for example, CBP is in the process of establishing a greater air and marine presence on Lake Erie, including deploying more agents. At Detroit, Chief Smith said he has been busy talking to boaters' groups about the new reporting requirements and acknowledges it will take some getting used to. "It may be a hassle, but not such a big hassle that you want to give up something you enjoy," Smith said. Failure to report can result in civil penalties of $5,000 the first time and $10,000 thereafter, with the vessel in question subject to seizure. In addition the master of the wayward vessel upon conviction is liable for a fine of up to $2,000 plus a year in jail. CBP asks for your eyes and ears on the water. Report any suspicious activities to 1-800-505-8381.

....That's beautiful! I know the kind of satisfaction you feel from making a functional fishing rod from others cast offs. You've done an excellent job. I really like the way you left some of the origional colour on the blank at the ferrules, very clever. Now get out there and enjoy it.

....Well isn't this special. Happy Birthday Carole.

Lake Simcoe needs cash, not more study: Conservatives Mar 31, 2008 Bruce Hain / simcoe.com There’s been a bit of a backwash to last week’s announcement by the province to set up a scientific panel, as well as a citizen’s advisory group, to determine how best to restore Lake Simcoe. Within hours of Liberal Party Environment Minister John Gerretsen’s press conference at Queen’s Park, the provincial and federal Conservative parties were taking him to task. “The time to study is over,” said York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan. “It’s now time to clean up Lake Simcoe. I call upon the provincial government to match the $30 million in federal funding the federal government announced last month to preserve and protect Lake Simcoe. While the provincial government announcement says they want a ‘gold standard’ for Lake Simcoe’s environment, they aren’t providing any gold.” Van Loan says the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority has already studied the lake extensively and identified dozens of remediation projects that if enacted, could cost taxpayers well in excess of $100 million. The federal conservatives have already brought in measures to protect Lake Simcoe, Van Loan added, including a ban of dumping waste and sewage from watercraft, and a move to virtually ban phosphates in detergents. Julia Munro, Progressive Conservative MPP for York-Simcoe, weighed in by saying “if the province is going to institute special requirements on Lake Simcoe watershed municipalities to improve their sewer systems, it must provide them with special funding. If Lake Simcoe was a real priority for the (provincial) government, they would not spend all their time preparing studies, they would start writing cheques. The Ontario Liberals should be providing specific funding for Lake Simcoe cleanup, but their record so far shows little hope.” However, the Campaign Lake Simcoe coalition of environmental groups was somewhat optimistic about Gerretsen’s statement. “The province has correctly identified land use changes, meaning urban sprawl, as a primary cause of water quality decline,” said Dr. Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence. “Now, the government needs to do something about it. Simcoe County is the ‘Wild West’ of Ontario urban sprawl and the new Lake Simcoe Protection Act must bring it under control if Lake Simcoe is to survive.” Annabel Slaight, co-founder of the Ladies of the Lake, said the action being taken by the Liberals, “is another great step forward, particularly because it envisions residents of the watershed and government working hand in hand.”

Fighting the VHS fish virus April 1, 2008 Bob Kelleher, Minnesota Public Radio A shad infected with viral hemorrhagic septicemia. It was taken from Lake St. Clair, which is located between lakes Huron and Erie. (Photo courtesy of Mohamed Faisal, Michigan State University) There are urgent new efforts to keep a virus that's deadly to many kinds of fish out of Lake Superior. The disease, known as VHS, has quickly spread through the other Great Lakes. Minnesota officials worry if it reaches Lake Superior, VHS could jump to inland waters and devastate the state's fishing industry. Duluth, Minn. — VHS is a little virus with a big name - viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Infected fish might have bulging eyes; bloated bellies; or red blotches. Some major fish kills are blamed on VHS. The disease isn't a danger to humans, but it's a very real problem for fish that haven't faced this disease before. VHS can hammer dozens of fish species -- everything from freshwater drum, to northern pike, round goby, and walleye. It's caused a near total kill of muskies in New York's Niagara River. The disease is frightening both for the size of fish kills and the wide variety of fresh water fish species it's been killing, according to Daryl Bathel of Duluth. Now retired, Bathel used to oversee the Department of Natural Resources cold water hatcheries. "They've never been exposed to this," Bathel said. "So, they're very susceptible to it. And there's going to be die-offs that occur when there's a pathogen that's here and a stress that would causes an outbreak of disease to happen. It's better to keep that pathogen out of here." So far, VHS has not been detected in Lake Superior. But, within the last three years, it's been confirmed in all the other Great Lakes; and Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago system. It's unclear how the disease spreads. The National Park Service has joined with Minnesota's Grand Portage Chippewa band in a plan to defend their areas against VHS. The Park Service runs Wisconsin's Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; Michigan's Isle Royale National Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; and the Grand Portage National Monument in Minnesota. - Daryl Bathel, former DNR cold water hatcheries chiefApostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent Bob Krumenaker said the plan establishes emergency measures should VHS show up; and it prods other agencies to take action on things like ship ballast water, and tightening the movement of bait and live fish. "There are two countries; three states; several Indian bands; untold state and federal agencies," Krumenaker said. "Everybody's got a little piece of this and nobody's in charge. So we are certainly trying to stimulate the discussion and encourage our colleagues in other agencies to move forward faster perhaps than they would otherwise." Krumenaker said the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale in particular are key to the Lake Superior fishery. "We're really vulnerable right now," Krumenaker said. "And, frankly, these are places that have some of the most vital fish resources for recreational fishing and even the commercial fishing that happens in and outside the parks." In Minnesota, state lawmakers are considering new legislation that would tighten permits and certification for hatcheries and bait dealers. Fish farmers and hatcheries would have to test tanks and ponds at a cost of at least several hundred dollars a pop. The proposal would give the DNR the ability to move more quickly on emergency rules if VHS turns up in Minnesota. A department official said there's a lot at stake. "It is a very serious situation, because, number one, is that Minnesota has one of the great fishing resources in the country," said Roy Johannes, DNR Fisheries Program Consultant. "You know we have great walleye fishing; and a good muskie fishery. We have northern pike; pan-fish, bass." Johannes said a collapse of the fishing industry would be felt across Minnesota. And, if a virus reached Minnesota, it could quickly spread to a big chunk of the continent, according to Daryl Bathel, the retired DNR official in Duluth. "Minnesota is kind of unique in that it's the point of high ground for three major drainage systems," said Bathel. "Once it's here, the next step is to jump into the inland waters. And once it's there, it's in the Mississippi River system. It's in the Hudson Bay drainage. And it's going to get spread all over the place." Just the threat of VHS has prompted a change in fishing regulations in Canada. Visitors to Ontario's Quetico Provincial Park will have to fish this year without worms or minnows. All organic bait is banned. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is considering a similar ban. The Minnesota DNR offers VHS information on its web pages, including a printable brochure. Their bill, the VHS Fish Health Initiative, is winding through the legislature.

Judge delays cormorant cull Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Sharon Hill, Windsor Star A federal judge in Toronto has put the brakes - temporarily - on a proposed cull of cormorants on Middle Island, prompting two animal protection groups opposing the cull to claim a minor victory. The judge ruled that no cull can happen until a federal judge says so. "Today's order is literally 'Do not touch those birds until a judge can review these matters,'" Zoocheck Canada's campaign director Julie Woodyer said Wednesday. Zoocheck Canada Inc. and the Animal Alliance of Canada asked for an injunction last month to stop a possible cull of double-crested cormorants on Middle Island in Lake Erie. Woodyer said the groups, which are part of Cormorant Defenders International, feared the cull could have been announced and the birds shot while the legal issues were being considered. Parks Canada is proposing annual April culls to cut the colony from 4,026 nests to between 438 and 876 nests by 2012. The agency is doing an environmental assessment and online documents say culls of nesting adult cormorants should start in early April. The next step in the environmental assessment was to be a three-week public comment period but that hasn't started yet. The island is part of Point Pelee National Park. Park superintendent Marian Stranak was out of the office Wednesday and Parks Canada didn't return messages left Wednesday afternoon. The matter is adjourned until April 23 in Toronto. Then the animal protection groups will be seeking an extension of the injunction as they argue for a full judicial review, Woodyer said. The groups should know after the April 23 hearing if their legal case could stop a cull from being held this year, she said. The groups are arguing Point Pelee National Park should complete its management plan first. The federal park is required to do management plans every five years. Although it has begun the process, the park's last management plan dates back to 1995, five years before Middle Island became part of the park. Parks Canada calls the cormorants "hyperabundant" and says their guano is killing vegetation. The agency has said 41 per cent of the forest canopy was lost on the island between 1995 and 2006. A Parks Canada document posted online in March said "the option of doing nothing would be inconsistent with Parks Canada's legislated mandate to maintain and restore ecological integrity in national parks." Cormorant Defenders International is urging people to support the campaign to protect Middle Island's water bird colony, including the cormorants, saying the island is "one of the few protected places left where large mixed species water bird colonies can still exist."

Homeland security a fishing boon New lake patrols are likely to keep American charters at home Mon, March 31, 2008 By JANE SIMS, SUN MEDIA, London Free Press U.S. Homeland Security wants to scour for something fishy along the Great Lakes international border -- and it doesn't have scales or gills. An anti-terrorism crackdown on the lakes could be a boon for the Canadian fishing charter business, much of it in Southwestern Ontario. Starting next month, when the 2008 fishing charter season opens, it's expected anti-terrorism patrols will reel in U.S. fishing boats that cross into Canada over the invisible border on the lakes and return to American waters. The Homeland Security Department intends to enforce new border security rules that have largely focused on U.S. entry by land and air. Americans paying to fish on the Great Lakes will have to bring either a passport or two other pieces of ID if they plan to harvest fish from the richer Canadian side. Once back ashore in the U.S, they'll have to drive to a government reporting station and pose for pictures -- not with their catch, but for customs officers, using a videophone. Officers will run spot checks from patrol boats and aircraft. "Our concerns are anything from terrorists and terrorist weapons to drugs and undocumented aliens," says Brett Surgeon of the Customs and Border Protection service. One veteran Southwestern Ontario charter owner said the crackdown will help restore balance to fishing rules tipped in favour of American rods and reels. "If that is true, that would benefit us greatly," said Jim Fleming of Wyoming, who operates Drifter 2 and has been in the business for 27 years on lakes Erie and St. Clair. "This is a major, major issue," he said. Fleming said the crackdown could mean Americans wanting to fish Canadian will find it more attractive to hire Canadian charters, rather than leave from the American side and risk security hassles. It turns out Canada's half of Lake Erie is deeper and cooler than the U.S. side, and spawns the best fishing, making it desired for the U.S. business. The U.S. industry says the new rules will sink it. "How does this secure our country?" said Rick Ungar, a retired Ohio police chief, now a charter boat captain. "I'm not insensitive to law enforcement issues, but these are fishermen, for God's sake." Some operators haven't decided whether to continue fishing in Canadian waters. Fleming, a staple at fishing trade shows and charter captain for fishing TV show stars, said the pleasure fishing industry has taken a hit because of the rising Canadian dollar, high fuel prices and the deteriorating U.S. economy. He said his client base was once 40 per cent American, but that's dwindled to 10 per cent. The changing economy has also hit local marinas, he said. At trade shows, Fleming said the question he's asked most often is about potential hassles at the border. Fleming also sits on the board of the Michigan-Ontario Muskee Club -- and the Canadian side of Lake St. Clair has 70 per cent of the prized fish. He suspects muskee enthusiasts will come across by land first rather than risk Homeland Security. Fleming said unlike government fishery patrols, few and far between, Homeland Security has "lots and lots of money" to patrol the water. "We heard last summer they were going to make their presence known this year." Ruth Tetrault, owner of the Cove Marina at Lighthouse Cove, where the Thames River meets Lake St. Clair, said the rules could be "a little bit of a setback" because anglers tend to be law-abiding. "One thing about a boater -- if you're a boater and fisherman, you're going to do it no matter what," she said. Related Story

ONTARIO LAUNCHES FLOOD INFORMATION WEBSITE

April 02, 2008 grandriver.ca Flood warning message - April 2 @ 1:30 p.m. - High water on Nith and Grand A cooling trend moved into the Grand River watershed overnight. The cooling trend has slowed snow melt and allowed water courses in the upper half of the watershed to crest and start to recede. River levels are still cresting in the Grand River downstream of Brantford and along the Nith River downstream of Plattsville. Flows in the Nith River through New Hamburg were higher than originally forecast. It is estimated the flows through New Hamburg reached 350 cubic meters per second (m3/s) at 2 a.m. this morning. This is a provisional estimate. Reservoirs discharges were increased this morning to maintain or increase available reservoir storage in preparation for the remaining snowmelt and rainfall in the weather forecast at this time. Reservoir regulation reduced flows along the main Grand River in excess of 50 per cent. Revised warning for Nith River in Ayr Levels and flows through the Village of Ayr are expected to peak at 8 p.m. this evening. Flows are expected to reach 350 m3/s. Levels on the staff gauge in Ayr are expected to reach 3.1 metres. Flows in Cedar Creek through Ayr peaked at 7 a.m. this morning and are currently receding. Municipal officials and police have been asked to issue updated notices to property owners and residents as needed. Nith River - Wolverton It’s expected flows in the Nith River through Wolverton will peak late this evening. While flooding is not expected in Wolverton secondary township roads may be flooded. Municipal flood co-ordinators responsible for Oxford county and Brant County are asked to monitor local roads and close roads as necessary. Nith River – Paris The Nith River through Paris is expected to peak early Thursday morning. Public works staff are requested to monitor the dyke along the Nith River at the Mechanic Street foot bridge to Lions Park overnight Wednesday and into the Thursday morning. Grand River – City of Brantford City of Brantford is requested to maintain the closure of Gilkison Avenue until flow conditions recede through Brantford later tomorrow. Grand River – Six Nations Six Nations staff is requested to monitor the Fourth Line and Bateman Line, and to maintain closure of these roads until flow conditions recede later tomorrow. Grand River – Haldimand County The Grand River is expected to peak through Caledonia early Thursday morning, through York Thursday morning, through Cayuga by midday Thursday and through Dunnville by late Thursday. County of Haldimand staff are requested to monitor roads along the southern Grand, particularly Grand Sports Roads, over the next 48 hours and close roads as necessary. Conditions are being monitored closely. Updated messages will be issued as necessary over the next 24 hours. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and when combined with cold, fast-moving water pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and off frozen water bodies at this time. For more information on river flows, see the River Data of the GRCA web site.

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Shimano’s Phil Morlock Receives Canadian Sportfishing Industry Award by Allan Ellis, Dir Communications (Mar. 27, 2008 - Washington, DC)... Phil Morlock, Director of Environmental Affairs for Shimano in both the U.S. and Canada is a respected member of the Board of Directors of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) where he chairs the Communications Committee. He is frequently in Washington working with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus on Capitol Hill and groups like the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) to advance issues of importance to America’s fishermen. In his ’spare time’ he represents the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA) in the same fashion in dealing with Canada’s Parliament. On March 13th, at the CSIA Annual General Meeting in Toronto, he received the 2008 Chairman’s Award for his work with the Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus. Tom Brooke, CSIA Chairman presented the award and said: "Through his hard work and collaboration with others, Phil’s vision of establishing an Outdoor Caucus in Canada is now a reality. With representation from all political parties spanning every region of the country, it is the largest caucus in our Canadian Parliament with 95 members. Because of Phil’s dedication, we finally have a ’voice’ in parliament representing our angling heritage." When asked about his dedication to the issues facing sportsmen on both sides of the border, Mr. Morlock replied, "Many of the issues which challenge the future of fishing and hunting are identical in Canada and the U.S. The common outdoor heritage we share with our elected representatives who hunt and fish is the key to the success of the non-partisan Caucus. We are all in this together." "A parliamentary caucus is only as effective as its connections with the constituency it serves," said Garry Breitkreuz, M.P., co-chair of the Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus. "Phil Morlock’s role as a conduit between Parliament and Canada’s outdoors community has directly contributed to the success of the Outdoors Caucus. His hands-on approach has helped to build this group into the largest all-party caucus on Parliament Hill. Phil is now taking on the rigorous task of chairing the sub-committee we struck to create an outdoors heritage foundation. Its mandate will be to advise the Outdoors Caucus on hunting, fishing, trapping and sports shooting activities in Canada. Phil is poised to have a profound effect on these traditional Canadian heritage activities that will provide benefits for generations to come. We are indebted to him for sharing his focus, energy and expertise." Last December fourth at a breakfast sponsored by CSIA, fifty Members of Parliament (M.P.s) and Senators, members of the Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus, met to endorse the creation of an independent Canadian Outdoor Heritage Foundation and encouraged new members to join the caucus. The vote on the formation of the foundation passed unanimously and 17 members joined the caucus bring the total to ninety-five - 84 MPs and 11 Senators making the Outdoors Caucus the largest caucus in Parliament. The Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus and the Canadian Outdoor Heritage Foundation are closely modeled on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) on Capitol Hill and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) in Washington, DC. Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation said, "Phil Morlock represents not only the fishing industry but the whole culture of fishing, hunting and the outdoors lifestyle in the U.S. and in Canada. We are proud to have him as a member of our Board of Directors and congratulate him on this well-deserved award." The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus is the largest caucus in Congress comprised of 284 policymakers who set aside partisan politics to advance, promote and preserve the heritage and traditions of America’s 34-million fishermen, hunters and trappers. About the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is the most respected and trusted proponent for hunters and fishermen in the political arena. With support from every major hunting and fishing organization, CSF is the leader in promoting sportsmen’s issues with elected officials. CSF works directly with the bi-partisan, bi-cameral Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in the U.S. Congress, as well as affiliated state sportsmen’s caucuses in state legislatures around the country. For additional information, call 202-543-6850.

....Taimen, been on my "must catch" fish wish list for some time, Solopaddlers as well if I remember right. Google it or check a few of the links I've searched quickly. http://www.taimen.org/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hucho_taimen

....Hey shoot me a PM Garry if you're holed up for a few days with your daughter. Perhaps we can find time to grab a coffee together. And thanks for all those wonderful reports from the sunny south.

....Nice to have you on board. Good luck with them stripers!

....Wow sounds like my dream job, oh well I'll least be able to read your reports at some point. Congratulations, sounds like you're in for a fantastic summer.

....Sheesh, you're never around when I've been in Roger. But I do appreciate you taking the time to respond with the facts on that big aquarium.