Spiel

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.

January 04, 2008 GRCA issues flood safety bulletin grandriver.ca With warm weather forecast over the weekend and continuing into next week, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued a Flood Safety Bulletin to watershed municipal flood coordinators. Depending on the exact weather conditions received, the warm temperatures will begin to melt the snow pack, and cause river and stream levels to rise in response. This could create typical January thaw conditions, which if combined with forecast rainfall, may lead to local flooding conditions. At present, there is more snowpack in the northern portion of the Grand River watershed north of Guelph and Kitchener, than in the southern areas. The GRCA’s main reservoirs have 70 to 90 per cent of their flood storage capacity available to handle increased runoff. However, there could be flooding situations on smaller streams, in urban areas, and along the Nith River where there are no reservoirs. There is also a potential for ice jamming due to the ice cover that exists along the southern reaches of the Grand River below Brantford, and these situations will be monitored. Depending on the actual temperatures and rainfall received, GRCA will be monitoring the situation over the weekend, and issuing further updates or formal Flood Messages as they are warranted. Parents are reminded that with kids still off school, the warmer temperatures may attract kids and pets to the river. Ice conditions on the river are definitely unstable, and river banks are icy and slippery, so the river should only be viewed from safe vantage points such as bridges and overlooks. For more information on river flows, see the River Data of the GRCA web site. Download a copy of the River Safety Rules, a river safety pamphlet for children.

Wow! A 50-pound striper on a 2-pound line Bill Cochran's Field Reports Roanke Times It can be challenging enough to land a 50-pound, 9-ounce striped bass on hefty tackle. But on 2-pound line? Unbelievable! That is what Jim Sheffield of Richmond did Sunday morning, and his catch is a pending world record for 2-pound line, according to Dr. Julie Ball, an International Game Fish Association representative from Virginia Beach. No stranger to light-tackle fishing, Sheffield, a member of the Virginia Angler’s Club, was out to break the current striper world record, which is 21 pounds, 7 ounces on 2-pound line. He didn’t just squeak by the record, “he blew it out of the water,” Ball said. Sheffield was fishing out of Kiptopeke on the southern end of the Eastern Shore, where schools of huge stripers have been enticing anglers as the Dec. 31 season’s end approached. The method Sheffield used was drifting an eel in less than 30 feet of water. He was fishing alone. “When the fish took the eel at 9 a.m., he knew it was the one he was looking for,” said Ball. The battle had its moments of high excitement. Like when a drifting Wal-Mart bag encompassed his cobweb-size line and when the line wrapped around his trim tabs and lower unit of his engine. He followed the fish for about an hour, the last 20 minutes with only two clicks on his drag, he told Ball. When the fish turned belly up from fatigue he wrestled it into his boat. Ball has begun the process of registering the catch for world-record status.

Play safe out on the ice / MNR News Release ********************* The Ministry of Natural Resources is reminding anglers to check ice conditions and review the new fishing regulations before heading out to do some ice fishing this season. Anglers should advise others where they plan to fish and when they plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are vital to both safety and comfort. Many anglers wear floater suits and carry a set of ice picks. Ice conditions can be deceptive and variable. Please remember: • Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. This can be particularly evident at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out. Check thickness regularly with a spud bar or auger as you move further out on the ice. • Not all ice is created equal. Ice that has formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice. • Clear blue ice is the strongest. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice that has a honeycombed look, common during thaws or in the spring, should be avoided altogether. • Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. Double this amount if the ice is white or opaque. • Heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down the freezing process. Anglers should check with local ice hut operators before venturing out. Let others know where you’re planning to fish and when you plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are critical to safety and comfort. Many anglers wear floater suits and carry a set of ice picks.

....Spectacular! There's some damn fine eating there.

....I just heard about it from a friend by phone if you can imagine. While I fear the worst I hope I'm wrong and that they're found safe.

....Thank you and welcome to the board.

....First off let me extend my best wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year. Now some of you have already noticed that we (as in Rick) have created a new "News" section in the "General Discussion Subforums". This is a read only forum that all Mods can post in. I hope with all Mods participating we can keep this current so that OFC members can peruse fishing and outdoor related news in one convenient location. If you have anything of interest you'd like to see posted feel free to PM me or one of the other Mods. Thanks Spiel

....LOL, I agree with Wayne....

"DANG"

Ice fishing season kicking into high gear yorkregion.com Georgina Dec 27, 2007 06:36 PM Some winters can have 4,000 huts on lake By: Wil Wegman - Focus on Fishing Can you believe more people fish Lake Simcoe during the winter than all other seasons combined? Often recognized as the Ice Fishing Capital of North America, the 725-square-kilometres of a frozen Lake Simcoe can often mean as many as 4,000 huts during a good old-fashioned winter. All ice hut operators, hotels, B & B’s, resorts, tackle shops, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses that rely on revenues generated from anglers, are counting on this winter to help them have a successful 2008. If we have cold weather, good ice and the fish co-operate then the recipe will be there for all to benefit. So, as a new ice fishing season is upon us, let’s have a look at what’s in store for anglers with some of the new fishing regulations and then we’ll make some predictions for the top four winter species. For those of you who have already picked up a copy of the new 2008 recreational fishing regulations summary, you will have noticed several changes. First off is a new approach that the ministry has developed to manage the fisheries across Ontario. Part of this involves reducing the number of fishing areas to just 20 Fishery Management Zones (FMZ) for the province. In York Region we fall under FMZ 16, however we also have the Special Designated Waters of Lake Simcoe which means it may have several regulations separate from the rest of FMZ 16. Highlights of New Fishing regs for Lake Simcoe Ice Anglers - Walleye catch and possession limits are reduced to four walleye for Sport Licence holders and two for those with a Conservation Licence. Only one walleye can exceed 46 centimetres (18.1 inches). - Crappie now have a limit of 30 with a Sport Licence and 10 with a Conservation Licence. - Sunfish now have a limit of 50 with a Sport Licence and 25 with a Conservation Licence. - Lake trout, whitefish and yellow perch limits and seasons will be the same as 2007. The only exception is that anglers holding a Conservation Licence can now keep one whitefish instead of two. - Winter walleye season remains closed on March 15. - Personal possession of baitfish – whether purchased from a baitfish dealer or caught by a licensed angler cannot exceed 120. No longer will anglers be able to obtain a receipt if they wish to retain more than 120. - The 2008-2009 Fishing Summary is now available from local bait and tackle shops, Canadian Tire, Service Ontario/Government Information Centers and on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/fishing Now For the Fishing Prognostications Yellow Perch: The most popular species in the lake seem to be targeted more and more every winter on Lake Simcoe. I am not sure if this because there’s an increase in the number of anglers who are discovering the joys of winter perch fishing, or if it is more that unstable ice conditions way out on the whitefish and lake trout grounds means the pressure has been diverted from those fish to perch. Ice is ready earlier close to shore and in the shallower somewhat protected areas of the lake. Limited ice fishing for perch has already been occurring for several weeks in December. The issue this winter will not be so much a matter of anglers catching enough perch … but whether they will find the big Jumbo’s that the lake is famous for. I’m thinking we will see more big perch caught this year than last but we’ll still hear plenty of reports of anglers having to catch several perch before they find a few ‘big enough’ in that 8-11 inch category for a meal. Hopefully there will be more anglers that release those precious perch over 12 inches to perpetuate a trophy perch fishery on the lake. Northern Pike: It seems there are fewer people fishing for pike in the winter then there were a couple of decades ago, but that sure isn’t because there are fewer pike out there. Perhaps they are more difficult to catch in the gin clear waters now that we have to deal with the filtering effects of zebra mussels. However they are still a very cacheable and fun fish to target under the ice. Perhaps with the Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing Contest incentive of $100,000 for a pike over 13.39 lbs, more people will focus on these toothy critters this year. I think pike fishing will be good for those fishing the right areas, with the right baits and tackle this winter, but you’ll have to stay tuned to a future column if you need more detailed advice. Lake Trout: Anglers have been saying that it appears to be more difficult to find these prized fish during the last couple of winters but it’s hard to say if this is due primarily because of later and shorter seasons or less fish. If it’s a good winter and we can get out relatively early in January, then I think those who are willing to work hard searching for lakers will be rewarded. Still, we might hear more reports that the next species listed below dominates the deepwater haunts. Whitefish: If the banner open water whitefish season of 2007 was any indication, then the winter of 2008 should be just excellent for whitefish. The caveat of course is that we need good ice and good travel conditions to where these fish reside out on Lake Simcoe. During the winter of 2008 ice anglers have to be mindful not only to stay on top of their game, but also on top of the ice. Call local ice hut operators for the latest conditions close to where you want to access the lake, carry ice picks, test the ice frequently and if in doubt stay off. In a future Focus on Fishing column, we will devote an entire article to ice safety. Until then I’d like to wish all of you happy and safe 2008 with more days on the hard and soft water than ever before. NEW FISHING REGULATIONS • Walleye catch and possession limits are reduced to four walleye for Sport Licence holders and two for those with a conservation licence. Only one walleye can exceed 46 centimetres (18.1 inches). • Crappie now have a limit of 30 with a sport licence and 10 with a conservation licence. • Sunfish now have a limit of 50 with a sport licence and 25 with a conservation licence. • Lake trout, whitefish and yellow perch limits and seasons will be the same as 2007. The only exception is that anglers holding a conservation licence can now keep one whitefish instead of two. • Winter walleye season remains closed on March 15. • Personal possession of baitfish 4whether purchased from a baitfish dealer or caught by a licensed angler cannot exceed 120. No longer will anglers be able to obtain a receipt if they wish to retain more than 120. • The 2008-2009 Fishing Summary is now available from local bait and tackle shops, Canadian Tire, Service Ontario/Government Information Centers and on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/fishing

Trout research begins in February By LINDSAY LAFRAUGH Chronicle Journal Thunder Bay Saturday, December 29, 2007 Blair Wasylenko is the perfect fit for Trout Lake Learning center's newest research project, said JP Fraser, spokesman for the center. Starting in February, Wasylenko, a local man, will begin his one-year stint as the center's study director for the McIntyre Superior Rainbow Study. "He was the most qualified of all of the people who applied," said Fraser. "It is exciting when you have somebody who wants to come home and is really interested in what we are doing." Wasylenko said his degree in ecology with an emphasis in landscape ecology from the University of Guelph landed him the internship, along with his experience from a former summer student position at the Ministry of Natural Resources in Thunder Bay. During the Trout Lake Learning center internship, which is being funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Wasylenko will try to uncover the mystery of why rainbow trout (steelhead) no longer run from Lake Superior to Trout Lake, the source waters of the McIntyre River. With no theories on the reasoning quite yet, Wasylenko said he has started to think about what his research might entail. "I am not entirely sure yet, but definitely we want to look at the habitat that the river can provide, get a population estimate and look at ways to improve it," he said. Wasylenko said there have been a number of studies conducted on the population of the steelhead in the McIntyre River, but that there has been little focus on the area of the river near Trout Lake something he plans to look into. "I think (the research) is important . . . because it is within the city. The pressures on (the river) are different than if it was just a creek that didn't have any industry on it or people around it," he said. Rainbow trout were first introduced to Lake Superior from the West Coast in 1883. They are resilient fish that are anadromous, meaning they are born in a river, eventually progress to a lake, but then return to the river where they were born to spawn each year. Wasylenko will begin the field work of his research during the steelhead's spring spawn in April.

Concern growing over Great Lake water levels Posted By Don Crosby Owen Sound Sun Times 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 impact 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. Advertisement 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."

Well-known outdoorsman dies Former Sun Times columnist kept no secrets when it came to where fish were biting Posted By JIM ALGIE One of the original steelheaders, outdoor writer and conservationist Francis Grant Ferris of Port Elgin has died. The former Royal Canadian Navy diver and a nuclear power mechanic was also a former outdoors writer with The Sun Times. He was moderator and a major contributor to the website "Grey/Bruce Outdoors with Grant Ferris." Mr. Ferris, 67, died Dec. 23 at Saugeen Memorial Hospital five years after a diagnosis of cancer. Mr. Ferris's body has been cremated and there is to be a private committal service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Guelph, his wife Gloria said in an interview Friday. "He first got cancer five years ago and it was up and down for the last five years," she said. "He still fished when he could . . . He still rode his motorcycle. He rode as long as the weather lasted this fall." Although Gloria Ferris did not share her husband's lifelong interest in angling, they did ride together and frequently made long excursions to gatherings such as Americade, the early June rally in the Lake George area of New York state. Mr. Ferris was an angler long before he and Gloria met at her sister's wedding in 1968. They married the following year. Born and raised in Guelph, he was the son of Frank Cyril Ferris and Olive Collingridge. In 1958, at the age of 18, Mr. Ferris joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he worked as a diver. He later worked in foundries in the Guelph area and was active in United Steelworkers of America locals before obtaining employment with the city of Guelph first as a pollution control operator then as an arena manager. Mr. Ferris joined Ontario Hydro in 1981 and worked as a nuclear mechanic at Deep River and at the Bruce Nuclear Power Development. The couple moved to Kincardine in 1981, then to Port Elgin where they lived for 21 years. He retired from Ontario Hydro in 1993 as a trades management supervisor. Mr. Ferris knew parts of Bruce County intimately long before moving here mainly because of weekly trips to fish the Saugeen River. Bruce Farrell of greybruceoutdoors. com described his long-time associate as a veteran river angler with deep concern for conservation and a particular interest in steelhead, or rainbow trout. "He was concerned about the fishery, definitely a conservationist," Farrell said in an interview. "He was an excellent, beyond excellent, sheelheader . . . He was one of the originators of float fishing, fishing for steelhead in rivers. . . He goes back a long time, way back when they were building their own rods and piecing together reels that would work because nobody was manufacturing anything like they do now." Mr. Ferris's feature writing revealed his deep fondness for the outdoors. Although he wrote about hunting, he confined his trips to photography. "To my knowledge the only thing he ever killed was a Canada goose once and after that he never would again," Gloria said. "He would always take pictures, that kind of thing." He was an pistol target shooter and remained active in several area outdoors groups, including the Sydenham Sportsmen's Club, Lake Huron Fishing Club, Ducks Unlimited and Friends of McGregor Point Provincial Park. After his retirement from Ontario Hydro, Mr. Ferris became increasingly active with writing, initially for the Port Elgin Beacon Times and later for The Sun Times. He went fishing most days and wrote about it, keeping no secrets about when and where the fish were biting. "Some people got a little angry with him because they'd say 'You're telling everybody where all the good fishing is and people are going to come up here and take all our good fishing.' He said it belongs to everybody," his wife said. Farrell plans to continue the website he and Mr. Ferris began in the late 1990s. An obituary posted to the site's Forum and a portrait of Mr. Ferris had received more than 70 responses by midday Thursday. One praised Mr. Ferris's "enthusiasm and love of . . . steelheading." Someone else posted a quotation from the 19th century American writer Henry David Thoreau: "Many men go fishing their entire lives without knowing it is not fish they are after." "He enjoyed helping people. He enjoyed telling his stories," Farrell said. "He always told it exactly like it was." Mr. Ferris is survived by his children Russ Ferris of Milton and his wife Manie, Lara Inneo of Guelph and her husband Vito and Alyssa Ferris of Cambridge. He is also survived by two grandchildren and two sisters.

Manitoulin.ca December 19, 2007 MNR study blames cormorants, anglers equally for decline in inland lakes fishery Mindemoya Lake the worst, followed by Silver, Manitou and Tobacco Lakes Of the 11 lakes sampled by the Ministry of Natural Resources in the spring and summer of 2005, five were deemed to be overstressed from both cormorant predation and angling pressure. On Lake Mindemoya, "cormorant consumption and angler harvest each exceeded 50 percent of total fish production (the cumulative production of all fish populations in a lake)," the report notes, making it the most compromised lake on the Island. But the fish populations of Silver Lake, Lake Manitou, Lake Kagawong and Tobacco Lake were also found to be threatened by a combination of angling and cormorant activity. The ratio of cormorant impact and human influence varied from lake to lake. Cormorant consumption exceeded angler harvest in four of the lakes studied, while the opposite was true on five lakes, the report notes. Data for the study was collected via aerial surveys as well as ground surveys. The former allowed the MNR to assess cormorant densities and estimate the birds' consumption levels, while the ground surveys yielded harvest rate data from anglers towards an estimate of fishing impact. To establish fish populations, the ministry used a "model that predicts fish production from total phosphorous concentration," the study notes, as a more comprehensive measurement would require "intensive sampling off all fish species and multiple years of data." Once the data was collected, "we compared our estimates of fish extraction by cormorants and anglers to estimates of fish production to measure the stress imposed by these two types of predators," the report explains. "Then we evaluated how the stress imposed by cormorants would exacerbate angling stress if angling harvest was not reduced to accommodate cormorant presence." Cormorants were judged to consume an average of 32 percent of the potential production of medium-sized fish on Manitoulin lakes, which approaches the level documented at Oneida Lake in New York State, which serves as a benchmark for studies of this nature. But while the much-maligned birds are clearly having an impact on fish, so are anglers. The study found that "recreational fishing is a substantial stress on several lakes," with anglers harvesting 52 percent of potential large fish production. In six of 10 cases, the study notes, "angling stress exceeds cormorant stress." Put together, the two stressors are creating an insupportable situation on many of Manitoulin's lakes, the MNR concludes. Given cormorants' impact on medium-sized fish, which in turn hampers the proliferation of large fish, a continuation of the current take by fishermen would "result in a mean angling stress of 96 percent," the study states. "This increase is unlikely to be sustainable." The scientists indicate that harvesting 50 percent of potential fish production is about the limit if a healthy population of fish species is hoped to be maintained. "Harvesting almost 100 percent of production is not." The authors of the report qualify that a more thorough understanding of the interplay between cormorants and anglers would require the kind of long-term analysis conducted at Lake Oneida. "This would entail population estimates, trend-through-time patterns in abundance and vital rates such as survival, and more detail on the species and sizes of fish removed by both birds and anglers through time," they write.

December 27, 2007 MINISTRY MAKES MINOR CHANGES TO FISHING REGULATIONS New Regulations Help Ensure Sustainability Of Fish Populations TORONTO A number of minor revisions are being made to the new 2008-2009 fishing regulations, Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield announced today. "The early release of the new streamlined 2008-2009 Fishing Regulations Summary gave members of the public a chance to identify some clarifications and additions," said Cansfield. "We are moving quickly to fix those to ensure the rules and regulations that come into effect on January 1, 2008, are clear." The revision of the Ontario Fishery Regulations is an important part of implementing Ontario's new Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management. This will improve sustainability of fisheries and increase public participation in fisheries management with the establishment of Fisheries Management Zone Advisory Councils. The ministry is now managing fisheries on a zone basis rather than on an individual lake basis. This has reduced the number of fishing zones to 20 from 37 divisions, requiring revisions to Ontario’s fishing rules. In rewriting the regulations that govern fishing in Ontario, some omissions were made. As a result, the ministry is implementing a small number of changes in nine Fisheries Management Zones. Some of the changes include: Allowing fishing of lake trout during part of the year on Commando Lake in Zone 8, which lets a traditional winter lake trout derby continue to take place Opening Bill, Wreck and Dog lakes for fishing brook trout all year in Zone 4 Allowing fishing for brook trout all year on Tailleurs Lake in Zone 8. A list of all the changes are available on the ministry's website at ontario.ca/fishing. "We know how popular angling is across the province, and as always we appreciate the benefit of the public’s comments," said Cansfield. "As a ministry, we are working to ensure the health and sustainability of the province’s fish populations." Before going fishing, anglers should carefully review the information outlined in the summary and check the ministry website for updates. The 2008-2009 Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary is available from licence issuers, ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres and on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/fishing.

Fish habitat destruction feared by Eric McGuiness, The Hamilton Spectator December 28, 2007 Lake Ontario waterkeeper Mark Mattson believes the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) can -- and should -- stop construction at Pier 22 until the Hamilton Port Authority consults the public about destruction of fish and wildlife habitat at Harris Inlet. Mattson doesn't accept "excuses" offered by DFO and the federal port authority for skipping public input. "First and foremost, there is a lot of public concern about this sort of work in Hamilton Harbour. So many feeder creeks and streams from the escarpment have been filled in, the last few gems have to be saved. "DFO has the authority and ability to stop this tomorrow -- today -- and needs to be reminded of its responsibility. If others have pointed out the destruction of fish habitat and the need for public consultation, DFO can clearly put it on hold until all these legislative hurdles are overcome." Mattson, a lawyer who heads the non-profit waterkeeper organization, doesn't accept an interpretation of the Canada Marine Act that holds port authorities exempt from provincial and municipal jurisdiction, but if it is valid, it's wrong and the act should be changed. "Port authorities shouldn't be above the law," he said, reacting to a Spectator story that revealed a dredging and dockwall construction project for a new Pier 22 began in September after an environmental assessment held there was no need for public input because the area between Strathearne and Kenilworth avenues was industrial. The assessment noted the presence of large ponds, mature trees, a beaver lodge, coyote dens, turtles, fish and other wildlife, but no endangered species. DFO fish habitat biologist Rick Kiriluk said the current project does not include the Harris Inlet waterway or a large, connected pond considered to be fish habitat. He said the authority had rejigged its plans to exclude that area, but plans to make a separate proposal for it. On the issue of public input, he said: "As the Hamilton Port Authority is the lead federal agency on this project, it is at their discretion as to whether or not they conduct public consultation." Councillor Chad Collins, a member of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, says staff accepted too readily the notion the conservation agency has no jurisdiction on federal land. The board now wants staff to determine just how far the authority's regulatory power extends and, if it has none on Pier 22, "there's still an advocacy role for us to play." Collins noted the port authority is prepared to spend $3 million to restore habitat it destroyed at Sherman Inlet, "while going in the opposite direction at Harris Inlet," where a stretch of the all-but-vanished Harris Creek survives. Habitat preservation there "would be an ideal project for the conservation authority, which has taken a leadership role at Sherman Inlet and has expressed intent to take a more proactive role in inner-city Hamilton, especially brownfield industrial sites" such as the 42-hectare Pier 22 property, where Stelco operated its No. 2 Rod Mill. Kiriluk said no DFO authorization was needed for the first phase of pier development, because fish habitat is not affected, but "any further works on the site that involve infilling or alterations to the existing pond and associated connecting channel may require a Fisheries Act authorization and fish habitat compensation." [email protected] 905-526-4650 Pier plan to clear trees, fill ponds and dredge not in port's report The Hamilton Port Authority hired an environmental manager in August 2006, proclaiming its "commitment to environmental responsibility." But its first environmental report to the public, issued last May, failed to mention the Pier 22 environmental assessment begun two months before. Environmental manager Marilyn Baxter was unavailable to explain the omission. Board chair Al Peckham, the only city appointee on the seven-member federal authority, did not return a call from The Spectator last week. A May 2 news release said the report contained an "overview on the HPA's environmental activities, as well as details on environmental programs, projects, operations and community engagement," yet the 13-page document nowhere mentioned the plan to clear trees, fill ponds and dredge eight hectares of harbour bottom to create a multimillion-dollar pier and 15 hectares of cargo-handling space. The Pier 22 Wharf Completion Project Environmental Assessment Screening Report produced by Stantec Consulting Ltd. says environmental assessment began March 20, six weeks before Baxter's report was produced. Section 7.6, titled consultation with the public, says: "Due to the site- specific nature of the project in an already industrialized area, formal public consultation was not deemed necessary as part of this assessment. The project is in conformance with the principles of the Hamilton Port Authority Land Use Plan, 2002, which was developed with public and stakeholder input."

December 27, 2007 Winter Activity Update Check regularly for updates on winter activities at GRCA conservation areas. Ice fishing Shade's Mills Conservation Area - Cambridge Open. Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area - Paris Opens Dec. 29. The ice is thick and safe. Targeted fish species are black crappie and bluegill. Guelph Lake Conservation Area - Guelph Closed for the season due to low water levels in the reservoir. Belwood Lake Conservation Area - Fergus Closed for the season due to low water levels in the reservoir. GRCA

....Right back at you Lew and everyone else here.

....Oh man that would have had me soil me shorts. Amazing what can happen in the blink of an eye. Glad to hear no one was hurt Dave.

....Man I can't think of anything that would make any winter day more fun. Nice job!

....Yep it's a brown, a spawned out female (note the loose folds in the belly) starting to lose her spawning colours. Congrats on breaking in the new reel.

....If money is limited (as it always is) I think I'd forgo colour in favour of the highest quality sonar you can afford. Colour will cost you more than the equivalent non-colour. You know I have 2 Lowrance x-135's and they are pretty sweet. Got one of them for a song and dance, if you want to call me I'll explain how and where. I also prefer to keep my GPS unit seperate for a number of reasons.

....Congratulations.... That's a pretty special Christmas gift for you and your family. Glad to hear all is well.