Spiel

Anglers must register huts Georgina Jan 16, 2008 yorkregion.com To protect the environment and ensure the safety of anglers and boaters, anglers must register new or previously unregistered ice fishing huts on lakes. Registration is free and helps prevent anglers from abandoning their huts. Abandoned huts can end up in the water when the ice thaws. Huts must be registered in fisheries management zone 16, which includes the special designated waters of Lake Simcoe. To register your ice hut in Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora district’s portion of Lake Simcoe (from Keswick north to Gamebridge), call the Aurora office at 905-713-7400. To register your hut anywhere else on the lake, contact the Midhurst district office at 705-725-7500. Anglers must remove ice huts from all the waters in fisheries management zone 16, including Lake Simcoe by March 15. This is the same date lake trout, whitefish and walleye season closes. The ministry advises anglers to place huts on six-inch high wooden blocks to make it easier to remove them at the end of the season. Ice hut owners must keep the area around their huts clear of garbage. For better visibility, registration numbers on ice huts need to be at least two-and-a-half inches high. Anglers do not need to register tent-style huts that are made of cloth or synthetic material, if they are less than two square metres in dimension when erected. For ice hut registration in other districts, refer to the 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary available from licence issuers, Service Ontario centres, or on the ministry’s website at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html#fish

New bridge across Mindemoya River on Hwy 542 will be two full lanes wide Separate dam structure will better regulate water levels by Jim Moodie manitoulin.ca MINDEMOYA-A wider bridge and fancier dam are in the works for the juncture where the Mindemoya River leaves its titular source to flow under Highway 542. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced the completion of a engineering plan for replacement of the existing bridge and dam, both of which are getting rather long in the tooth. The two structures, which are situated one over top of the other, date way back to 1928, putting them well beyond retirement age. "The undercarriage has deteriorated to the point where it can't be fixed," said Central Manitoulin Reeve Richard Stephens, adding that the one-lane nature of the vehicular span is behind the times, given the traffic that occurs on this highway. While there's never, in Reeve Stephens' memory, been an accident at the site, "there is a bit of a bottleneck there, and we've been promoting for a number of years that the bridge be widened." Doug Dixon, whose engineering firm completed the design study on behalf of the MTO, assured that the new bridge will "be upgraded to meet or exceed the current standards for a road of that speed and volume," including the addition of a lane for two-way traffic. It will also be resituated slightly to the south, allowing for the continued use of the existing span while work on its replacement proceeds. "There will be no roadway closures," promised Sergiy Morozevych, project manager with the MTO. That's a relief to the municipality, which didn't relish the increased traffic (and upkeep) on back roads should a detour have been required, said Reeve Stephens. And of course it is welcome news to residents and visitors of the area who might have experienced an inconvenience. Once the new bridge is completed-likely in 2010, as the job won't commence until 2009-work will begin on the replacement dam, slated for the same spot as the current one. "Construction is planned for two years," said Mr. Morozevych. "In the first year the permanent bridge will be constructed south of the existing dam and bridge, and in the second year the dam will be replaced." By separating the two structures, the MTO anticipates a greater ease of maintenance, as well as considerable improvements in the functioning of the dam. "Due to refinements made in the structure's design, the operation of the dam will help improve the water levels in both Lake Mindemoya and the Mindemoya River," indicated Mr. Morozevych. "The new system will enable operators to make fine adjustments to levels during critical life-cycle stages of resident and migratory fish species." An environmental assessment has been completed for the project, with input from the Ministry of Natural Resources, said Mr. Morozevych, and mitigation measures have been identified "to address any potential impacts" on the fishery, which includes both resident warm-water species and migratory salmonids. Once the design study is approved, the MTO will issue a public tender for a contractor to perform the work. At present, the ministry is still inviting public input on the proposed bridge and dam replacement project. Copies of the design report are available for review at the Central Manitoulin municipal office and the Mindemoya and Providence Bay public libraries.

High water levels in the Maitland Watershed are getting back to normal By Gerard Creces Signal-Star Wednesday January 16, 2008 High water levels in the Maitland Watershed are getting back to normal, according to Dave Grummett, director of operational services for the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, but that’s no reason to let your guard down. “The authority would like to continue to stress staying away from watercourses,” he said. “It is receding but still we have some very high flows.” Last Monday, Jan. 7, the MVCA put out a flood monitoring bulletin due to the rapid thaw that took place and the amount of runoff this caused. On Jan. 3, the MVCA conducted a routine snow survey, which averaged 35-40 centimetres of snow in the watershed with an inch and a half of water content. “Then we got into the rain and high temperatures,” Grummett said. “That has depleted the snow pack.” More than 45 millimetres of rain have fallen, in addition to the water from the melting snow-pack, making the low-lying areas of the watershed a dangerous place to be while the water runs high. However, Grummett said the water hit its high point last week and things should be settling down soon. “The last of the rivers and headwaters peaked at Thursday at 8 in the morning,” he said. “Those water levels have been receding.” While the highest water levels have been recorded in North Huron, people should still practice caution, especially around low-lying areas in the watershed, where flooding was most likely to take place. However, there are some positive aspects to the warmer temperatures. One of the benefits of the thaw, Grummett said, was that much of the moisture was able to seep into the ground instead of running directly off into the river. This helps counter the effects left by a hot, dry summer. “We came into the fall with very dry ground conditions, Grummett said. “I think a lot of moisture has gone into the ground. We are now looking at saturated soil conditions. “It’s a good way of replenishing.” With the mercury poised to drop once again, winter is easing back into itself, though not with a devastating deep-freeze. In the meantime, water levels are receding in the watershed, accommodating the influx caused by the rain and the melting snow. “There won’t be any potential for additional flooding, but we have to pass through what we have in the system,” Grummett said. “I think we’re getting back into winter mode. The flood threat is definitely diminished.” Temperatures hovered around zero all this week, but are expected to start sinking Friday, according to weathernetwork.ca. By Sunday, it’s expected to be -10 C with light snow expected. In the meantime, Grummett and the MVCA will continue to monitor the watershed and advise the public to avoid watercourses.

....Well I can assure you Bernie you're not getting any younger. But then again who is? Have a swell day.

Alewives rebound in latest Lake Michigan forage fish survey By Kevin Naze Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council If there's anything positive that can come out of a survey that found the fewest Lake Michigan forage fish in more than 30 years, it's that alewives are holding their own. Though at numbers well below the long-term average, alewives — the favored forage for the big lake's multimillion-dollar salmon and trout sport fishery — were up about 18 percent over the fall 2006 survey, which was one of the three lowest ever. Chuck Madenjian, a research fishery biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey's Great Lakes Science Center, said scientists believe there were 30 kilotons of prey fish in the lake last fall. That's more than 66 million pounds, but about half of the 2006 estimate. The biggest drop was in bloater chubs, only at about 1 percent of their high two decades ago. Deep-water sculpin numbers also plunged, and smelt numbers — already very low — declined more. On the other hand, the volume of quagga and zebra mussels increased about 13 percent, to 245 kilotons. That adds up to more than 500 million pounds of mussels. "It's almost all quagga mussels now, not many zebras," Madenjian said. "Some trawl catches had over 1,000 pounds of mussels in." The specially equipped boat — about 75 to 80 feet long, Madenjian said — annually surveys the bottom off seven ports, including Sturgeon Bay and Port Washington off the Wisconsin shoreline. Tows are done every 60 feet of depth, starting in 60 feet of water and ending in 360 feet of water. Ten-minute tows that take only a few minutes to lift at shallower depths can take nearly a half-hour at the greatest depths. Whitefish and yellow perch will eat the smaller mussels as part of their diet, but it's not enough to stop the growing mussel population from filtering out phytoplankton important to small fish and invertebrates. "There's a lot of doom and gloom talk these days," Madenjian said. "People are really concerned. But I do think it would be a mistake to put all the blame on the mussels. There maybe were too many salmon in the lake, and bloater populations could be somewhat cyclic. Let's see what happens." Some commercial fishermen don't think bloater numbers will come back, but Madenjian is not so sure. The population was lower in 1976, he said, prompting an emergency closure. As for the alewives coveted by salmon and trout — and the anglers who seek them — Madenjian said the most common length seen in the trawls was between 5 and 6 inches, likely from a strong 2005 year class. Still, alewife numbers were lower only three times since the survey began in 1973. "The overall trend is smaller size (of salmon)," Madenjian said. "With the states stocking fewer, the numbers might come down some, but it depends on natural reproduction, too." (Naze is field editor for the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council)

Survival of Chinook Salmon in Lake Huron Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council The following report "Causes of Variable Survival of Stocked Chinook Salmon in Lake Huron" was just released last week and is the final research report on early survival of Chinook salmon in Lake Huron covering 1991-2002. The 58 page document does not cover the 2000-2004 OTC marking study; that will be covered in a different report. This is a research document that reports on the findings of a particular intensive study on chinook salmon. Net pen survival is one of the items covered in this report. For more info or questions, go to Jim Johnson at the Alpena Fisheries Research Station, [email protected] or 989-356-3232. To review the full report, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/RR2086_219958_7.pdf

RECOVERY: 30 survivors of fish gut frenzy flown to Anchorage for care. Slimy eagles take to the air in plane rides to rehabilitation By BETH BRAGG January 14th, 2008 Anchorage Daily News The 30 bald eagles that survived a deadly feeding frenzy in a dump truck filled with fish guts are flying again. Era Aviation and Alaska Airlines are bringing the birds from Kodiak to Anchorage so they can be cleaned and cared for by the Bird Treatment and Learning Center before being returned to the wild. Six of the eagles arrived on afternoon flights Sunday and 12 more were expected on evening flights, said Cindy Palmatier, director of avian care at the center. The rest of the birds should arrive on flights today, said Gary Wheeler, manager of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which has been caring for the birds since Friday's bizarre episode at the Ocean Beauty Seafoods plant in Kodiak. Twenty bald eagles died when about 50 of the birds dived into an uncovered dump truck filled with fish guts. Most of the dead birds were drowned or crushed in the gooey substance, which one wildlife official in Kodiak likened to quicksand. Two died later Friday night, but the rest appear to be getting better, Wheeler said. "They're getting a little feisty now," he said. "They're feeling their oats, for sure, so you can tell they're feeling better. They're more perky. They're wanting to fly." Wheeler said wildlife workers in Kodiak planned to wash the eagles again this weekend when a bird biologist with the International Bird Rescue and Research Center recommended sending the birds to the rescue center in Anchorage instead. "The folks there have more expertise," Wheeler said. "This is the first time since the Exxon Valdez oil spill that we've had to handle this many birds. We've kind of improvised." No one's certain where the eagles will be released once they have recovered. The city of Kodiak -- home to about 500 eagles, Wheeler said -- would like them back. But the logistics of flying the eagles back to Kodiak -- three on this flight, five on that flight, until all 30 have made the trip -- could mean they're released in Anchorage, Palmatier said. At least there's no rush to determine the birds' fates. The eagles are likely to remain at the recovery center for at least two weeks, Palmatier said. If bird lovers want to help, she added, they can do so in two ways -- by donating salmon (frozen is fine; processed is not) or cash. The salmon will help keep the eagles fed and the money will help pay for the center's utility bills, which are expected to soar as high as an eagle with so many birds to take care of. Workers at the center cranked up the heat this weekend to between 75 and 80 degrees to keep the eagles warm, and it will use a lot of hot water in the coming days to wash and rinse the birds. Keeping the birds warm is as important as getting them clean, Palmatier said, because the birds can't stay warm by themselves with feathers soiled by oily fish guts. "They don't have a lot of thermal regulation because of the oil," she said. "They're very cold." And stinky. "It's a new form of aromatherapy," Palmatier said with a laugh as she described the scene at the center. "It smells very fishy."

Counties yanking fishing bylaw By NICK GARDINER Staff Writer newsfeed.recorder.ca A United Counties council committee is pulling the plug on a month-old bylaw banning overnight fishing along roadsides and rights-of-way in its jurisdiction. The public works committee agreed Wednesday to rescind the bylaw imposed by counties council on Dec. 12 under the heading of public safety, but with open acknowledgment it was also aimed at curbing local poaching complaints. Warden Jim Pickard, like his colleagues, brushed off a proposed amendment already prepared for the meeting as well as staff proposals to "tighten up" the bylaw in favour of an absolute withdrawal on the question. "I'm prepared to sign a motion to rescind the bylaw. I would like to just table the whole issue," Pickard told the meeting. He said the OPP has expressed concern about enforcement, especially considering it doesn't have a contract to provide services to the United Counties. He said it wouldn't be realistic to expect individual municipalities to use local bylaw enforcement officers to maintain the fishing ban. "It was well-intended, but it can't be enforced," he said, noting municipalities may apply a local ban as they see fit. Pickard's recommendation was quickly picked up by Rideau Lakes Mayor Ron Holman who was one of several who indicated they have been flooded with public complaints. Holman said he'd heard "many serious and logical concerns" from residents, including tourism operators who feel their business will suffer. During an interview after the meeting, Holman said he's talked with many people who have fished overnight for years alongside counties roads and off bridges and they don't see the need to stop. "They were concerned about changing this tradition. But that wasn't the intent of the bylaw. It was for safety." The bylaw won't be rescinded, he noted, until it passes at the full meeting of counties council on Jan. 24. That should be a formality as all council members also sit on the committee. Meanwhile, Bill Thake, mayor of Westport, said the village will retain the ban on overnight fishing it enacted last month. "We're leaving our bylaw in place," Thake told The Recorder and Times. Thake said he took the village bylaw to the counties last month to ask for its support because the ban includes counties roads and bridges. He reiterated previous comments that he never intended it to become a countieswide bylaw. "I was as surprised as anybody at the time. We never sought a wider restriction." He said village council continues to have concerns about the safety of people fishing at night off bridges and close to the roadside. Otherwise, he said, "it's not going to affect local fishing much because the biggest part (covered by the bylaw) is the fish hatchery, where there's no fishing allowed at all." Complaints about the countieswide fishing ban were also cited by Front of Yonge Reeve Roger Haley who told council he had heard "some legitimate concerns" raised by residents. Haley also questioned the OPP's willingness or ability to enforce the bylaw. Chief administrative officer Steven Silver noted the bylaw provided no penalties and suggested "a more narrow wording" could satisfy some concerns. Director of public works Les Shepherd said he, too, had received letters, e-mails and phone calls opposing the ban and also suggested rewording the bylaw to more closely reflect safety concerns about fishermen standing on bridges or too close to the roads. But Shepherd's suggestion that counties lawyer John Simpson be brought in to examine the proposed bylaw was rejected by past warden Doug Struthers, who endorsed Pickard's call to rescind the regulation. "We don't need to have our solicitor vet the bylaw," said Struthers. Councillor Frank Kinsella said he supported the original bylaw to address the situation of illegal fishing and not to interfere with local sportsmen. "Our intention was to give us something in our arsenal to address poaching." Concerns about illegal fishing have been raised for years along the Rideau Canal waterway, but enforcement from the Ministry of Natural Resources has been seen as inadequate. That sentiment was reinforced with last fall's release of a report by Ontario auditor general Jim McCarter who decried the ministry's chronic underfunding and inability to enforce hunting and fishing regulations. In recent years, Canadian-Asian anglers have been assaulted around Peterborough, on Lake Simcoe and in the Westport area, leading to a preliminary report issued from the Ontario Human Rights Commission which states the incidents are the result of racism. However, some anglers argue the assaults have resulted from frustration over the MNR's inability to prevent poaching involving Canadians of Asian descent.

One Expensive Fish Monday, January 14, 2008, SooNews Wire for SooNews.ca A Sault Ste. Marie area resident has been fined $ 2,400 for having walleye out of season. Martin H. Harris, 33, pleaded guilty to catching and keeping 12 walleye before the 2007 opening of walleye season. He is also suspended from fishing for one year. Court was told that Harris was camping on Kebskwasheshi Lake on May 18, 2007, when Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers inspected his boat and coolers. Officers found 11 whole walleye and two walleye fillets. Justice of the Peace Alex Spence heard the case at the Ontario Court of Justice, Chapleau, on January 9, 2008. Anglers are reminded to review the 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for information on catch and possession limits, and open seasons. To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll free any time or contact the Chapleau District office at 705-864-1710 during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Bruce County asked to take up low water cause By DON CROSBY Owen Sound Sun Times South Bruce Peninsula is calling on Bruce County to support a petition it sent to the federal government calling on it to do something about declining water levels in the Great Lakes. The request, initiated and approved by South Bruce Peninsula council last September, and an accompanying petition signed by municipal residents, is expected to come before the county's agriculture, tourism and planning committee Jan. 17. The petition calls for measures to stop the loss of water from Lake Huron through the St. Clair River. The request is supported by a study done in 2005 by the Georgian Bay Association, a coalition of landowner groups in the Georgian Bay area that has taken a lead role in concerns about low water levels in the upper Great Lakes. According to the group, 2.5 billion gallons of water - the equivalent of 10 million tonnes or a block one square mile and 12 feet high - is escaping Lake Huron via the St. Clair River every day and that's why water levels in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are so low. "Once it's gone, that water is gone forever. We don't get it back," Mary Muter, vice-president of the GBA, said in an interview Friday. She said only one per cent of the water in the Great Lakes comes from rainfall; the rest was left from melting glaciers millions of years ago. Muter said from her home in Toronto that Lake Huron is 34 centimetres below normal and while Lake Superior water levels, which had been at an 80-year low, began to rebound in 2007, the same can't be said for Lake Huron. Muter said instead of spending $200 million on dredging at U.S. ports on Lake Michigan, a system to reduce the St. Clair River flow could be built for about $10 million. She said years of dredging the St. Clair River, the mining of protective sand bars, the realignment of the main shipping approach through Lake Huron and years of erosion has changed the profile of the river. It's now 60 feet deep, double what is required for shipping and is the cause of the increased flow of water out of the upper Great Lakes. "Put some kind of control measures in the St. Clair River to bring water back up to average levels so this kind of costly dredging doesn't have to happen on an annual basis," Muter said. South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Gwen Gilbert said water levels near Oliphant are worrying cottagers, who are unable to get to their cottages by boat and, in some cases, by land. She noted a cottage burned on Frog Island last year because low water levels prevented firefighters from getting to the island quickly to fight the blaze. "We'd like to know some action is being taken with the water levels being so low and getting lower," said Gilbert. "It's a great concern to people along Colpoys Bay, who are digging their water lines and putting them deeper because they are losing the ability to get water." She said if water levels continue to drop, the municipality will have to extend the water intake pipe for Wiarton, which gets its water from Georgian Bay. Level changes are concerning many Huron-Kinloss will spend about $200,000 this year combating the environmental effects of low water and protecting its beaches along Lake Huron. A growing number of algae blooms have floated ashore in recent years, stinking up swimming areas and leading public health officials to close some beaches last year. "The effect is to turn the near-shore water dark and murky. Just to walk out into the water is like you're stepping in slime," said Huron-Kinloss Mayor Mitch Twolan. The invasion in recent years of Phragmites grass, a tough common reed, is creating havoc for cottage owners along some of the same beaches. Twolan blames both problems on declining water levels. The grass has been gradually spreading for the past four or five years and is competing with native species. "It has been around before, up and down the shore, but not to the extent that it is now," Twolan said. Northern Bruce Peninsula Mayor Milt McIver said recently that in the past, fluctuations in lake water levels have been cyclical and always bounced back. Now there are concerns climate change has disrupted that pattern. "It's changed the shore property all along Georgian Bay and Lake Huron," adversely affecting boating and reducing access to cottages. "Where is the water going? . . . that's the main concern of a lot of people . . . we should be stopping it or trying to put a stop to it," said McIver, who wants Bruce County to be involved. "We want to be at the table where people are discussing and making decisions about what action should be taken about what happens to the Great Lakes," he said. South Bruce Peninsula has also forwarded the petition to MP Larry Miller, MPP Bill Murdoch, the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The GSCA, for one, will not support the petition, said chair Dick Hibma. Hibma, a member of the International Joint Commission's International Upper Great Lake Study Public Interest Advisory Group, said there's already an ongoing study to deal with concerns over the St. Clair River and it's an oversimplification to say its dredging is the cause of low lake levels. The International Joint Commissions Great Lake Study is a five-year, $17-million study to determine whether the regulation of Lake Superior outflows can be improved to address the evolving needs of users on Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan and Erie. Physical changes to the St. Clair River, which forms part of the connecting channel between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, will be investigated as one factor that might be affecting water levels and flows. The commission was established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to prevent and resolve disputes over the use of waters shared by the United States and Canada. Depending on the nature and extent of the physical changes and their potential impact on water levels and flows, the study may also explore potential remediation options. Hibma said the Great Lakes system from Thunder Bay to Cornwall is self-regulating and there are a number of factors involved including climate change, water taking, evaporation and changing landscapes. "There are so many things that we don't understand yet, it would be premature and misguided to react to this petition," Hibma said.

....Well "Dang", I go out for one day and you go and have yourself a Birthday. I hope it was a good one!

At least 20 eagles die looking for easy meal Factory workers try to save birds from quicksand-like goo By JAMES HALPIN January 12th, 2008 12:25 AM Anchorage Daily News Dozens of bald eagles descended on a dump truck hauling fish guts at a Kodiak processing plant Friday and got tangled in the mess, leaving at least 20 of the birds drowned, buried or crushed, according to federal wildlife officials. About 50 eagles were watching and waiting for a meal outside the Ocean Beauty Seafoods plant when the uncovered dump truck pulled out of a garage, said wildlife biologist Brandon Saito, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Once the birds began landing to gorge themselves, their massive numbers pushed others down into the sludge, which was about the consistency of quicksand, Saito said. Factory workers, who had apparently moved the truck out only for a few minutes, pulled it back inside when they saw what was happening. "It's not a very big space for that many eagles to get into," Saito said. "Some of the birds got crushed and buried. Some were drowning in the slime. It was really heavy, thick stuff." Temperatures in Kodiak on Friday afternoon were in the midteens, causing some of the soaked eagles to "flash freeze" when they were pulled free, Saito said. Several workers shoveled through the mess to pull birds out as the dump truck incrementally released loads of the guts onto the garage floor, Saito said. As the birds were rescued, they were taken to a "triage" room, where employes of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge washed them off in large tubs of soapy warm water and evaluated them, he said. "We cleaned them up and tried to warm them up, but some of them weren't doing too good," he said. The eagles were exhausted from struggling to escape the goo, Saito said. Many were hypothermic from being submerged in the cold water. Thirty surviving eagles were taken to refuge headquarters, where they were being kept indoors in tarp-covered truck beds because there were not enough kennels to house all of them, he said. Saito said he expected more of the birds could die overnight. They were to be evaluated this morning to figure out which were doing well enough to be released and which would need to undergo physical therapy, he said. Those that need further medical attention likely will be shipped to Anchorage, where the Bird Treatment and Learning Center can care for them, he said. Shipping them might be an issue, though. While the fish and wildlife agency has agreements with ERA Aviation and Alaska Airlines to fly injured birds for free when space is available, moving them in such large numbers could pose a problem, he said. The dead birds will be shipped to a U.S. Department of Interior clearinghouse where Native American groups could apply to be given the birds or their feathers for ceremonial purposes. Tony Olazabal, production manager at the Ocean Beauty plant, declined to comment when reached at home Friday night.

O.C.O.A December 7, 2007 HEFTY FINES FOR BUYING FISH ILLEGALLY BLIND RIVER - A Toronto man has been fined $1,500 for illegally buying a sturgeon and then lying to a conservation officer in an attempt to conceal the offence. Alexandre Goloubev, 27, pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined $1,000 for unlawfully buying fish and $500 for making a false statement to a conservation officer. Court heard that on October 5, 2007, Goloubev was checked by a conservation officer while angling just west of Blind River. Goloubev told the officer he only had salmon in his possession. After being questioned about a large pool of blood on shore, he admitted he had bought a sturgeon from an angler who caught it earlier in the day. The sturgeon was cut in pieces, placed in a cooler and hidden under vegetation in the forest near their campsite. Justice of the Peace Philip Stanghetta heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Blind River, on December 4, 2007. To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). ------------------------------------------- December 7, 2007 BASS OVERLIMIT CATCHES ANGLER $750 FINE BARRIE — A Maple-area resident has been fined $750 for having too many smallmouth bass. Frank Attard, 65, pleaded guilty to catching and retaining 19 bass over the limit of six per day. In addition to the fine, he forfeits his fishing rod and tackle box to the Crown. Court was told that Attard was angling on Lake Simcoe at the Barrie waterfront on September 30, 2007, when a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer inspected his catch and found 25 smallmouth bass Attard caught that day. Conservation officers had been patrolling the area after getting complaints of over fishing of bass and perch in the fall and early winter. Justice of the Peace Robert Norton heard the case at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie, on November 27, 2007. Anglers must be able to identify the species of fish they catch and the legal number of fish they can catch and possess. These limits vary depending on whether you have a sportfishing licence or a conservation fishing licence. To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll free any time or contact the Midhurst District office at (705) 725-7550 during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

New board leadership announced for Kenora Bass International There will be new faces at the top for the 2008 edition of the summer’s biggest fishing tournament. By Miner and News Staff Friday January 11, 2008 Kenora Daily Miner There will be new faces at the top for the 2008 edition of the summer’s biggest fishing tournament. Tracy Laffin of Tunnel Island Management will chair the Kenora Bass International this year -- taking over from Sue Loewen, who chaired the tournament of the last two years -- with Ernie Friesen, who is employed as the sporting goods department manager for Canadian Tire in Kenora, as her vice-chairman. The board of directors of KBI had advertised the need for new leadership in order to continue holding KBI. “The intent of the Kenora Bass International is to attract anglers, their families, tourists and people of our own great community to the event. We know from previous economic surveys that KBI has a 1.5 million-dollar impact on our local economy each year, which is why it was extremely important to our previous board of directors to ensure the future success of the event,” said director of finance Vanessa Nowe in a release. Laffin’s work with Tunnel Island Management Company which provides marketing services for local Kenora businesses such as Super 8 Motel, Casey’s Grill Bar and the MS Kenora, is expected to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge on marketing KBI as the premiere bass fishing tournament of Northwestern Ontario. Nowe said the board was also pleased other community members stepped forward into other roles on the board of directors. Angler services will be handled by Duncan McEwen of Sunset Strip Husky, while Lori Beaucage of DST consulting will help look after sponsorships. In total, 13 members will serve on the board, including nine who decided to return this year. The re-invigorated board is excited about 2008 being the best tournament yet and has announced Shaw Cable has committed to returning to broadcasting the final weigh-in as a live event. The announcement follows their meeting Wednesday, where they focused on gathering their team for the competition, scheduled for Aug. 7-9. The event will continue at the Harbourfront. The board noted in its release the city has updated it on the impact of the downtown revitalization project. “They have acknowledged the economic benefit that the tournament provides to our city and have made the necessary concessions to ensure that we are able to host the event in a suitable format for both the anglers and spectators. Despite the increased traffic on Bernier Drive they have indicated that they will do everything possible to ensure that we are able to host the Top Ten Angler Boat Parade which they acknowledge as the pinnacle point of the event,” stated Nowe.

....This would have been a great shot of DanC's hand if the Brookie hadn't got in the way.

Concern growing over Great Lakes water levels; Costs of lower levels include harbour dredging and waterline interference from silting for snow-making pumps Posted By Don Crosby Collingwood Enterprise Concern continues to grow over the local effects of declining water levels in the Great Lakes. In his inaugural address, Bruce County Warden Milt McIver promised to make water levels a priority during his term of office. He wants the county to be involved in discussions on Great Lakes water levels, which are beginning to affect several Bruce County municipalities. "It's having a huge impact for all of us but especially those of us on the lakefront. We see lake levels decreasing and there is certainly a lot of discussion as to why this is happening and I think we need to be involved and be a part of the process," said McIver, who is also mayor of Northern Bruce Peninsula. Blue Mountains Mayor Ellen Anderson is calling for changes in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement - a treaty negotiated in 1987 that formed the basis of efforts by Canada and the U.S. to protect the lakes from pollution. Speaking at the recent annual meeting of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative in Wisconsin, Anderson noted the original agreement - which took aim at reducing the chemical loading of the lakes - has been eclipsed with more complex problems caused by climate change and regional drought and a growing number of invasive species that threaten the food chain in the lakes. "The Great Lakes have changed in the last 20 years and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement needs to change with it," said Anderson, who is calling for the governments of Canada and the U.S. to renegotiate the agreement, with an increased emphasis on protection of watershed-based sources of drinking water. Anderson is a member of the board of directors for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative - an organization of mayors and locally elected officials advocating for protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Founded in 2003 by Chicago Mayor Richard Daly, with Mayor David Miller of Toronto as the lead from Canada, U.S. and Canadian cities across the basin are working together to improve water quality, water conservation and waterfront vitality. Anderson said in an interview last month, after returning from this year's meeting, that the mayors passed a motion alerting the International Joint Commission of the urgency of the situation and asking that it speed up the study of the upper Great Lakes and St. Clair River that would form the basis of action to solve the problem of declining water levels. In February 2007, the IJC appointed the International Upper Great Lakes Study Board to examine whether the regulation of Lake Superior outflows can be improved to address the evolving needs of the upper Great Lakes. Anderson is calling for cities and towns around the Great Lakes to have a seat at the table during the renegotiation and implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. She also wants the governments of Ontario and Quebec to adopt aggressive water conservation measures. She noted that 50 members of the initiative have taken the lead by adopting a 15-per-cent water conservation target by 2015. Anderson referred to effects of declining water levels in the past five years on Nottawasaga Bay, noting that in 2007 the water levels in Thornbury harbour were two feet lower than normal levels as indicated on shipping charts. She said the harbour may have to be dredged, but that could cost as much as $40,000 a year and take more than one year to complete. The Craigleith Ski Club has had to lengthen its water intake line at Northwinds Beach due to inadequate water levels, which was causing sediments to interfere with the club's snowmaking pumps. Anderson's biggest concern is for the water intake that supplies Thornbury's Peel Street water plant, which sits in 22-to-24 feet of water in Nottawasaga Bay. That's down from the 28 feet of water when the pipe was installed in the 1970s. Levels of 30 feet or more are optimal for reducing turbidity levels, which are caused by wave action. "If the water levels dropped another two feet, the intake would have to be extended . . . at an approximate cost of $5 million," Anderson said. She said governments appear reluctant to take action when faced with the cost of dealing with the issues and call instead for more studies, but, "It isn't going to be anywhere near as expensive if we do something (now) than what it's going to cost if we don't correct the problems now."

January 09, 2008 Flood warning message GRCA Wed. Jan. 9 @ 7:15 a.m. The Grand River Conservation Authority is issuing the following flood warning (action) message. Overnight rainfall of 30 to 35 millimeters across the watershed have lead to increased flows in watershed rivers and streams. Nith River - New Hamburg Flooding is expected in the following areas 1. fairgrounds in New Hamburg 2. along Asmus Street, Jacobs Street, Milton Street and Grace Street The GRCA has requested Waterloo Region Police warn residents in the above locations using the automated dialer system. It is expected flows will reach 176 cubic meters per second (m3/s) range at 3 p.m. today. Nith River - Ayr Current flow is estimated at 160 m3/s. It is expected flows will peak through the village of Ayr at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Overnight rainfall has caused a revised peak flow estimate of 240 m3/s. This level corresponds to a level of 2.5 meters on the Ayr staff gauge. We are requesting Waterloo Region Police warn affected residents in the Village of Ayr with the automated dialer system. Residents should take appropriate precautions and avoid parking vehicles in low lying areas that typically flood. Grand River - Grand Valley High flow conditions continue in the Grand River through Grand Valley. It is expected flooding on Main Street will continue throughout the day. It is recommended that municipal crews continue to monitor conditions and maintain the road closure barriers. Grand River – Center Wellington High flows from the Irvine River have lead through high flows through the Wilsons Flats area. Township of Center Wellington is requested to monitor the site, close the road as required and warn affected residents. Grand River – City of Kitchener Low lying portions of Bingemans Park and Pioneer Sportsmen's Club are expected to be flooded throughout the day. The GRCa has asked the City of Kitchener staff to notify both organizations. Grand River – City of Cambridge Flows are forecast to reach the road level on Highway 24 (Water Street) south by the GTO station by late afternoon today. City of Cambridge is requested to monitor the site and close the road as appropriate. Grand River – City of Brantford Flooding on Gilkinson Avenue is expected later this afternoon. GRCA is requesting that City of Brantford monitor the situation and close Gilkinson Avenue as appropriate. Grand River – downstream from Brantford An update will be issued later today. Conestogo River High flows continue on the Conestogo River. Flooding is underway at the low level bridge upstream from St. Jacobs and on Glasgow Street in Conestogo. GRCA requests that Township of Woolwich continues to maintain road barriers until flood conditions subside. Speed River – City of Cambridge Flooding is expected in Riverside Park, and along the multi-use trail under Highway 401. GRCA request the City of Cambridge close access to the park and the portion of the trail subject to flooding. Flows will be elevated throughout the Grand River system for two to three days as water from rain and melting snow works its way through the system. 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. GRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will issue updates as required. For more information on river flows, see the River Data section of the GRCA web site. Further information: Dave Schultz, GRCA Coordinator of Communications Phone: (519) 621-2763, Ext. 2273 Fax: (519) 621-4844 E-mail: [email protected]

Report highlights fishing's economic, conservation impact Nation's 40 million anglers spend $45 billion on tackle, transportation, lodging American Sportfishing Association January 8, 2008 ESPN Recreational fishing is more than just a getaway for millions of Americans. As an industry, it provides a living for countless people in businesses ranging from fishing tackle and accessories manufacturing to travel and hospitality to boat manufacturing. According to a new report on fishing statistics, published by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), when expenditures are multiplied by America's nearly 40 million anglers, their dollars have a significant impact on our nation's economy. Sportfishing in America: An Economic Engine and Conservation Powerhouse highlights how fishing not only endures as an activity that permeates social and economic aspects of Americans' lives, but also plays a huge role in the country's successful conservation movement. "As an industry, we are keenly aware of the impact that sportfishing has on this nation's economy," ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman said. "Just by enjoying a day on the water, men, women and children across the United States pump billions of dollars into this country's economy." "And it's not just the economy; America's anglers are in many ways the nation's most powerful force for the environment investing hundreds of millions of dollars each year in fisheries management and conservation through taxes on fishing equipment and license sales." America's nearly 40 million anglers spend over $45 billion per year on fishing equipment, transportation, lodging and other expenses associated with their sport. With a total annual economic impact of $125 billion, fishing supports over one million jobs and generates $34 billion in wages and $16 billion in tax revenues each year. The average amount anglers spend yearly on hooks, rods, lures and other fishing tackle increased 16 percent from 2001 to 2006. A number of reports strongly indicate that fishing is identified by American families as one of the best ways to spend quality time together. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, fishing as a leisure-time activity ranks higher than playing basketball or softball, skateboarding, jogging or hiking. Substantially more than any other groups, anglers support the nation's conservation efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program. Special taxes on fishing gear and motorboat fuel channel hundreds of millions of anglers' dollars to state fish and wildlife conservation and recreation programs each year. The American Sportfishing Association's analysis is based on data from the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, conducted every five years on behalf of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies by the Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sportfishing in America was produced for ASA by Southwick Associates, Fernandina Beach, Fla. Additional economic facts about sportfishing: • The nearly one million jobs supported by anglers are almost three times the number of people who work for United Parcel Service in the U.S. • The amount of federal tax revenues generated by angler spending in 2006 — $8.9 billion — is roughly equal to the entire 2006 budget for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. • In 2006, the top 10 states with residents who fished, based on the percentage of population, are: Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Maine, Wisconsin, Idaho, Arkansas, West Virginia and Mississippi. • In 2006, the top 10 states that attract the highest number of non-resident anglers are: Florida, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, South Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, New York and Texas. • In 2006, the total days of fishing in the U.S. equaled 1,289,300 years of fishing. • The not-so-lowly catfish is pursued by nearly seven million anglers, more than the population of Arizona, Massachusetts or Washington. • All the dollars spent by anglers, attached end to end, would reach to the moon and back — nine times!

....Lots of boat and boating related links here....The Star

Be wary of all ice conditions Bob Bruton Innisfil Examiner Friday, January 04, 2008 Updated @ 2:19:19 PM Two ice fishers wait for that elusive catch on Cooks Bay. Ice conditions are very unpredictable, despite the recent cold snap. - Photo: IAN MCINROY _________________________ On foot, in a fish hut, on a snowmobile or ATV, the message is the same. Stay off the ice on waterways like Lake Simcoe, Cook’s Bay and Kempenfelt Bay — despite the recent cold snap. Terry Goy, who runs an ice hut business on the 11th Line of Innisfil, was cutting holes Thursday morning in seven to 11 inches of ice in Cook’s Bay. “It’s good for walking or ATVs, just off Gilford Road,” he said. “But it’s unsafe at Belle Ewart. Everything is day-to-day here. “It’s good (ice conditions) on the smaller bodies of water, but out on the lake — no.” Steve Chillman of The Pines in Oro Station has been putting huts on the ice for 40 years, but not at all for the last three. “You need seven or eight inches of ice. We used to go out with five inches,” he said. “But you can’t do that anymore because the temperature could go up 10 degrees in a couple of days.” Chillman said the lake just froze over Wednesday night, but it was less than an inch thick. “And the long-range forecast is for warmer weather, so we’re not making any plans at all.” Dangerous ice conditions have already contributed to tragedy this year. Two Georgina men died when their snowmobiles went through the ice on Lake Simcoe, on New Year’s Day, about one kilometre northeast of Georgina Island. Craig Nicholson, writer of The Intrepid Snowmobiler column, said it’s the first time since 1993 there’s be adequate snow for sledders between Christmas and New Year’s Day. But there still haven’t been five or six consecutive days and nights of the very cold temperatures needed for safe ice. “Some ice looks fine, but it’s totally unsafe and unstable. It’s a very dangerous time,” he said. “It’s cold enough that ice has formed, but there’s not enough ice. “The huge dumpings of snow weaken the ice, and also insulates it (so it doesn’t freeze as well).” Nicholson said it’s the same with trails over small watercourses and swamps, and that can lead to snowmobilers getting stuck there. He said sledders must also be careful on any larger bodies of water, because they freeze from the shore out. The farther away from shore you go, the thinner the ice. Nicholson said it’s usually mid-January before there’s a deep enough freeze to make the waterways safe, although there’s never any guarantee. York Regional police, who investigated the Georgina tragedy, are telling people Lake Simcoe is not frozen over, and therefore not safe. “Conditions are dangerous and extreme caution should be used,” said Const. Marina Orlovski. “Ice seldom freezes at a uniform rate.” She says to be suspicious of gray, dark or porous spots in the ice, as these may be soft areas. Ice is generally strongest where it is hard and blue. A near-tragedy on the ice was averted earlier this week. On Monday, just before 7 p.m., Southern Georgian Bay OPP received a number of calls from Tiny Township residents - who heard a frantic call for help from a man stuck on an ice flow near Gin Island. A Canadian Coast Guard helicopter was sent from Trenton to help with the search, and a 29-year-old man was rescued from the ice flow. He had been stranded for close to five hours and was treated for suspected hypothermia. OPP had been warning snowmobilers and everyone else to stay off the ice. Weather conditions and a freighter accompanied by an icebreaker had made conditions dangerously unsafe for travel. Although there has been a cold spell, a return to milder weather — and even rain — is being forecast for the weekend. Police are discouraging travel on any ice-covered bodies of water. And snowmobilers are being reminded that if they do head onto area trails, to make sure they are open and posted as such by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, or local snowmobile associations. They’re also asked to plan their route and tell a family member, set a return time, dress appropriately and bring a cell phone in case your machine breaks down or you become stranded. January thaws not uncommon David Phillips, Environment Canada’s senior climatologist, says a January thaw in Innisfil and Barrie is not unusual. “But it’s not going to melt the snow,” he said. “There’s just too much of it.” Usually by this time in winter, the area around Barrie has received about 100 centimetres of snow. This winter, it’s about 177 cm, Phillips said. Environment Canada is calling for a high of -2 degrees Celsius on Friday, a low of -9 C, with a 60 per cent chance of snow flurries. There’s also a 60 per cent chance of flurries on Saturday, with a high of 2 C. Sunday it’s supposed to be all on the plus side, with a low of 3 C and a high of 7 C. Monday there’s a 60 per cent chance of showers, with a high of 10 C and a low of 7 C. Environment Canada says one of the warmest days on record during the last 35 years was Jan. 13, 2005, when it was 12.5 degrees Celsius in Shanty Bay just north of Barrie. The warm weather didn’t last, however. The next day it was -10 C, followed by -13.5 C. And on Jan. 18 the mercury dipped to -27.5 C

Lake Huron water levels sinking towards record low manitoulin.ca Week of January 2nd 2008 As December drew to a close, the level of the continent's second-largest lake was within a couple of inches of its all-time low, and experts fear that the lake could dip below that dubious mark as early as this month. "We have been below what the International Joint Commission considers a crisis level for six to seven years now," remarked Mary Muter, chair of the Georgian Bay Association's environment committee. "And now it looks like we'll be setting record lows in January." The lowest reading so far occurred in 1964, when the lake dwindled to 175.62 metres (as expressed in height above sea level). That was nearly a metre below its long-term average, and almost two below the record high measured in 1986. As December began, Huron was just eight centimetres above this historic ebb. As of press time, that buffer had been reduced by half, putting us just four centimetres away from an unprecedented plunge. The December issue of 'Level News,' Environment Canada's monthly bulletin on Great Lakes water levels, focussed almost entirely on the looming crisis faced by Huron and Michigan, which function as one system since the two lakes are conjoined. "Although it is too early to say just how large the 2007-'08 seasonal declines will be on each of the lakes, it is probably safe to say that anyone affected by, or interested in, water levels on Lakes Michigan-Huron is watching this year's seasonal decline very closely," the bulletin states. Conditions were dry in November, with increased evaporation and water supplied to the pair of lakes approaching record-low proportions, according to Environment Canada. "As a result, daily water levels on Lakes Huron-Michigan fell 13 centimetres during November, eight centimetres more than their (usual) decline for the month." As December began, the level of both lakes was 66 centimetres less than normal for this time of year. Barring a deluge of precipitation or sudden gift of overflow from Superior, the federal agency was anticipating that "levels on Lakes Michigan-Huron could begin 2008 as low as they were in 1965," with "new record lows (to) follow if low water-supply conditions persist." Ms. Muter said that some residents of Lake Huron are already pronouncing a record low, based on "the markers they have on their docks to track water levels." And one government gauge on Lake Huron has already registered a single-day reading that was below the all-time dip, according to a Michigan newspaper; it doesn't stand as the record, though, because to do so the same measurement (or a lower one) must be sustained over a one-month period. But even if the lake retains a bit of a technical cushion above its record low for now, riparian dwellers like Ms. Muter are feeling anything but reassured. "The US Army Corps of Engineers is saying that we'll be 15 inches lower in 2008 compared to 2007," she said. "Projecting into next summer, we could be a foot lower than last year." Low water has significant economic consequences for shipping companies, which are forced to lighten the loads of freighters, but also for cottagers and marinas, which wind up with elevated docks, exposed water lines, and shallower harbours. A few people might welcome a broader beach, but generally it's bad news, both for the environment and business. "We know already that this is leading to huge applications for blastings and dredgings," said Ms. Muter. Her organization, which represents cottagers across Georgian Bay, has pointed to the lake's outlet via the St. Clair River as one of the key factors in the lowering of Huron. A study commissioned by the group blamed scouring and dredging of the shipping channel at this passage for an increased outflow from the lake. Preliminary findings released this fall by a bi-national group conducting a multi-year study of the upper Great Lakes seemed to refute that claim, based on images recorded by underwater cameras, but Ms. Muter believes that much more analysis needs to be done before the river is ruled out as a culprit in Huron's water woes. "Our basic response has been that to try to draw conclusions from preliminary findings is inappropriate," she said. The footage taken of the riverbed "is kind of like taking a photograph when you need an MRI," she analogized.

Stay off the ice, warns MNR Sudbury Star With Environment Canada calling for eight days of warm weather beginning this weekend, the Sudbury District of the Ministry of Natural Resources is warning people to stay off the ice. In a release issued Thursday, the ministry said warmer weather and forecasted rain will lead to heavy water flow in the Sudbury area. "As a result, the ministry may need to lower the water level on Lake Panache as of Monday," the release stated. "This would affect ice conditions on several lakes throughout the Lake Panache system, including Walker, Lang and Frood lakes." Depending on conditions, similar control measures may be required in other lake systems throughout the watershed. Many of the smaller lakes throughout the district are reported to have less than six inches of good ice, while larger lakes are still open in areas where currents flow. "Until temperatures return to seasonal values, deteriorating ice conditions will be found on all lakes throughout the Sudbury District," the ministry said.

....See "Be careful! large pressure crack on Lake Nipissing" in the OFC News.

MNR returns nets seized in 2005 Metis fisherman says he’s still owed an apology By Bill Henry Owen Sound Sumn Times Southampton Metis fisherman Jim McLay on Friday finally got back gill nets that conservation officers seized more than two years ago. But neither the apology the Sanguingue Metis Council president says he is owed, nor the 54 whitefish also seized Oct. 29, 2005, came with the two boxes of nets, four marker buoys and two anchor chains that were returned to him. With Metis council members, his children and invited reporters at the loading dock at his home on the Saugeen River, just steps away from several First Nations fishing tugs, the former commercial fisherman lectured conservation officers as they delivered his gear. He said he wanted them to tell the crowd he had done nothing wrong and later asked about an apology. “I can’t give you that apology,” said Robert Gibson, Ministry of Natural Resources enforcement supervisor with the Upper Great Lakes Management Area. McLay and Gibson debated, mostly amiably, their versions of what happened. They agreed the law now gives McLay — and other Metis people registered with the Metis Nation of Ontario — the right to catch fish for social, ceremonial and personal use. They disagreed on when that law actually took effect. McLay believes it began with a July 2004 agreement between the ministry and the Ontario Metis Nation. That agreement came on the heels of a Supreme Court of Canada ruling on a Sault Ste. Marie case which effectively extended Metis rights to sustenance and ceremonial hunting. But Gibson said the agreement only affected Metis hunting rights in traditional territories north of the French River. Those rights did not extend to southern Ontario until after a judge ruled last June 1 that ministry officials should honour the agreement throughout the province. McLay said the June ruling proves he was doing nothing wrong when conservation officers seized his gear. He said he was fishing for his own consumption and for ceremonial food, which was to be served to about 30 people at the Sanguingue Metis Nations annual fall banquet. “I feel that I deserve an apology,” he said. “Those fish weren’t just for myself, they were for our citizens, children and elders.” McLay was never charged with any offence, but said he has not fished in over two years because ministry staff threatened to also seize his boat. “The main point of today is that I did nothing wrong and I want my children to know that,” McLay said before his nets were returned. “I’m not getting off on a technicality. I didn’t find a loophole, I did nothing wrong. I was acting completely within the agreement that the Metis Nation of Ontario had with the Ministry of National Resources.” Earlier Friday, Gibson said in a telephone interview the officers were responding to complaints from local First Nation commercial fishermen about illegal gill netting within their quota area. The officers seized from McLay a half-mile of gill net, enough to catch 2,000 pounds of whitefish in a day under favourable conditions. At the time the Metis’ agreement with MNR did not extend to southern Ontario and the enforcement officers also doubted McLay was fishing for his own purposes. At the time, under terms of the Fish and Wildlife Act, only licensed commercial fishermen could legally possess gill nets, Gibson said. “The ministry acted correctly in this situation. We were acting on the laws that were in place . . . If you’ve got a net set that is a quarter of a mile long, usually a guy is setting for commercial purposes. Are you going to be using 1,000 pounds of fish for personal use? “These were some of the questions that were going through some of our heads. That’s why the nets were seized at that point in time.” McLay said ministry staff “reneged” on the July 2004 agreement between the Metis Nation and the MNR “almost immediately.” Believing the agreement should cover all of Ontario, he said the Metis nation challenged three charges against Metis people for harvesting under terms of the agreement. That led to the June decision and the change in enforcement policies, Gibson said. “Our legal advice here is basically as long as they’re harvesting under the authority of a harvester’s card that is issued by the Metis Nation of Ontario, we’re supposed to take that into account when we’re doing an investigation.” Dockside Friday, McLay also wanted to know what happened to his 54 whitefish. Gibson said they were processed locally and given to a charity. McLay said he has thought about his fishing gear every day for the almost 800 days since it was seized. He also said he expects different treatment now that the law is clarified. He said he has nothing to hide and offered to let conservation officers know ahead of time if he plans to fish. “This is not an end, it’s a beginning,” he said. “And what I hope it does is convince the ministry to stop what I essentially refer to a bullying tactics.”

Be careful! large pressure crack on Lake Nipissing Ice cracks under pressure Posted By Nugget Staff North Bay Nugget City police are warning the public about a large pressure crack about 1 1/2 to two metres wide over a well-used snowmobile path on Lake Nipissing near Sunset Park. The warning comes days after the Ministry of Natural Resources issued an advisory calling on anglers to stay safe on the ice during the winter fishing season which opened Tuesday. "The key to enjoying this popular winter activity is to play it safe," Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield said in a release. "If you are not sure about ice conditions, do not go out on the ice." Reports from around Lake Nipissing indicate ice thickness ranges between 20 centimetres and 35 cm, with the most favourable conditions found in Callander Bay and the South Shore. Several ice hut operators in those areas of the lake are already open for business, while some others who operate near the Manitou Islands have yet to set up for the season. At least 20 cm of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 cm or more is needed for most light vehicles. Double that amount is required if ice is white or opaque. Heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down the freezing process. The ministry advises anglers to notify others where they plan to fish and when they plan to return. Anglers are also advised to wear and use appropriate clothing and equipment. The ministry says anglers should be aware that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers and that thickness should be checked regularly with a spud bar or auger. The ministry also warns that ice formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.