kickingfrog Posted October 19, 2014 Report Posted October 19, 2014 http://www.nugget.ca/2014/10/19/nfn-halts-gill-netting Nipissing First Nation has put a stop to gill netting on Lake Nipissing in response to concerns from its community members about the health of the walleye fishery. Chief Marianna Couchie confirmed Saturday a recent decision by the band council to close down gill netting on the lake until spring when the recreational walleye fishing season opens. She said the move comes after consultation with Nipissing First Nation community members, the vast majority of whom called for steps to curtail the use of nets on the lake. “Many people wanted us to close it right down,” said Couchie, noting the band council opted instead for a temporary closure out of concern for community members whose livelihoods depend on the fishery. She said gill netting is something that will be reviewed on an annual basis and that the long-term goal is to help find those who rely on the fishery alternative sources of income so they're no longer dependant or as dependant on the fishery. Gill netting typically begins following an annual moratorium during the spring spawn and continues throughout the fall and even into the winter months. Community consultations were called due to concerns about the health of the walleye fishery, with Nipissing First Nation indicating to its members during the summer this year's walleye harvest was expected to be greater than safe allowable estimates. That was after the Ministry of Natural Resources indicated in March the walleye fishery is in serious decline and is now only half of what it was in the 1980s, mainly due to the combined pressure of both the recreational and commercial fisheries. As a result the ministry did away with a slot size restriction aimed at preserving spawning walleye 40 to 60 centimetres in size and instead introduced a new minimum size limit to protect walleye up to 46 centimetres. The move was aimed at safeguarding young fish that have not yet had a chance to spawn. In addition, the already contentious issue of gill netting was exacerbated this summer by the discovery of more than a dozen abandoned and unmarked nets on the lake. Couchie said a total of about 200 community members attended the two consultation meetings that were organized by the band. She said one meeting was held strictly for gill netters. Couchie said gill netters aren't pleased with the closure, but she said the decision reflects the direction that the majority of community members called for. [email protected]
Parnelly Posted October 19, 2014 Report Posted October 19, 2014 I wonder who everyone will blame now?
wormdunker Posted October 19, 2014 Report Posted October 19, 2014 Good news about the gill netters. I have read several times where they are also blaming the recreational fisher people???? Who are they kidding blaming the recreational fisher people?? I will never visit Nipissing again due to the 2 walleye possession limit. I feel sorry for the outfitters & lodge owners in the area.
Rich Nelson Posted October 19, 2014 Report Posted October 19, 2014 Closing it until spring...what a joke. If they actually admitted they were the problem, and had a concern with the fishery, they would close it completely, or at the very least, regulate it.
Terry Posted October 19, 2014 Report Posted October 19, 2014 (edited) Closing it until spring...what a joke. If they actually admitted they were the problem, and had a concern with the fishery, they would close it completely, or at the very least, regulate it. oh good I started thinking I was the only one that thought that way, so I didn't post till now till spring like that solves the problem but it was a catchy headline gill netting stopped on Nipissing Edited October 19, 2014 by Terry
Joeytier Posted October 19, 2014 Report Posted October 19, 2014 Regardless of its effectiveness (or lack thereof) it's still a step in the right direction, and a good sign that NFN leaders are beginning to listen to what many of their community members have been saying for a long time!!
kickingfrog Posted October 19, 2014 Author Report Posted October 19, 2014 There is netting during the winter and there are nets in the spring before the angler walleye season opens. The claim is there won't be this year. 100 % compliance? Unlikely, but we know the anglers don't comply 100% either. It's a move in the right direction.
musky666 Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 I am sure the first nation folk want a healthy fishery as well, more fish for anglers and their own nets as well. It is in everyones best interest to restore Lake Nip to its former glory- hope that it can be done.
Rod Caster Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 Glad to hear that the NFN community is also worried about the conservation of Nipissing walleye/fish and I hope they can find alternative economical options for those who currently rely on netting.
woodenboater Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 (edited) I think this is a huge first step and the NFN acknowledging the problem and taking a step is heartening. Now if only the gov't would do something about the cormorant population.... Edited October 20, 2014 by woodenboater
BillM Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 Good news about the gill netters. I have read several times where they are also blaming the recreational fisher people???? Who are they kidding blaming the recreational fisher people?? I will never visit Nipissing again due to the 2 walleye possession limit. I feel sorry for the outfitters & lodge owners in the area. You only go fishing to fill a stringer?
manitoubass2 Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 You only go fishing to fill a stringer? bazingaa!
mike rousseau Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 Good news about the gill netters. I have read several times where they are also blaming the recreational fisher people???? Who are they kidding blaming the recreational fisher people?? I will never visit Nipissing again due to the 2 walleye possession limit. I feel sorry for the outfitters & lodge owners in the area. I don't see a problem with a 2 fish limit... 2 walleye should feed a person.... I'd have no issues if my limit went from 4/day to 2/day here... I only keep fish once every 3-4 trips out anyways....
Steve Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 Bill, it's similar to those that say if there is no GOSD then the number of salmon fisherman will decline. What, GOSD is the only reason folks fish for salmon? Sometimes folks forget fishing is supposed to be a fun past time.
wormdunker Posted October 20, 2014 Report Posted October 20, 2014 I guess I'm wrong in my wording. No I don't go fishing just to fill a stringer. I love the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, riding the atv, & enjoying the scenery. I also want to ensure there is fishing opportunities for future generations. My main point is someone stated the recreational angler is responsible for the decline in the Nipissing fishery. That is absurd!! My other point which I should have described more clearly is that I can fish numerous other lakes with a possession limit of 4 walleye. My wife does not fish - so if I keep 4 walleye in the 15-17" range it provides the 2 of us with a nice dinner. In the past 10 years I have released many fish so that others may enjoy the opportunities I have had. I'll also add that I live near Lake Erie where the possession limit is 6 walleye with no size limit. Please understand that I'm very disappointed to read of the decline of the great Nipissing fishery, since I first fished that lake in 1964.
Nipfisher Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 Mike Rousseau, you may not mind if your limit changed from 4 to 2. But you may have fewer clients wanting to spend money to catch fish that the CAN'T keep. It has certainly impacted our local lodges, tourist outfitters and guides! P.S. I still cant use the quote feature????
Mister G Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 You only go fishing to fill a stringer? Yes, I do......and I don't see anything wrong with that. However, we have written off Lake Nip years ago because of the commercial fishing done it in. I wish them all the luck there but really don't see any light at the end of the tunnel because of the double standards it must suffer through.
Regan Thompson Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 I seriously nearly threw up my coffee all over the keyboard when I read this post! A little disappointed that it's just until spring but I think this is still a very positive move. I'm sure it's only the beginning.
SmokestackLightnin Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 Now that they have concluded that Nipissing is fished out, I wonder where the nets will be placed?
limeyangler Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 Things change, for the better and for the worse. When things change we need to adapt. If peoples adaption in this case is to move to another lake to fill a stringer day in day out we have a problem. I watched posts on this topic before, and it brings out the worst sentiments lurking on this forum in my opinion. I don't get how you are not going to have enough fish to satisfy you with 2. I can prepare 2x10inch walleye (and smaller) to feed 3 people. I can see how this would upset people who are used to keeping 4 per day…I UNDERSTAND….but keeping 4 a day has been deemed unsustainable….. let the finger pointing begin….and around we go. So…maybe a change in perception is what is needed. Maybe if people start to view a plate of fresh caught walleye as an absolute privilege and delicacy, and appreciate the fact that even when only allowed 2 fish you are very lucky to experience the great outdoors and the feel of living off the land in an era when our natural resources are scarce and becoming scarcer. In fact, take pride in eating/keeping 2, know that you are helping preserve this wonderful experience for generations to come. Probably get blasted for this….but thats the way I see it.
Headhunter Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 From a big picture perspective Simon, you are absolutely correct! Nip Pickereye stocks are only a symptom of a very complex issue. This recent announcement is a step in the right direction. Hopefully leadership of all concerned, look beyond the tip of their noses and develop sound practices that will allow everyone to enjoy the resource for many years to come. Now, about the NFN casino and resort... HH
limeyangler Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 From a big picture perspective Simon, you are absolutely correct! Nip Pickereye stocks are only a symptom of a very complex issue. This recent announcement is a step in the right direction. Hopefully leadership of all concerned, look beyond the tip of their noses and develop sound practices that will allow everyone to enjoy the resource for many years to come. Now, about the NFN casino and resort... HH I think then you have to look at the big picture, otherwise its just individuals looking out for their own (selfish)interests. Seems like these days its " well he aint going to stop netting fish so I'm don't see why I should stop catching 4……Its what I call a race to the bottom, ON YER MARKS……GET SET………..
manitoubass2 Posted October 21, 2014 Report Posted October 21, 2014 I think then you have to look at the big picture, otherwise its just individuals looking out for their own (selfish)interests. Seems like these days its " well he aint going to stop netting fish so I'm don't see why I should stop catching 4Its what I call a race to the bottom, ON YER MARKSGET SET.. agreed
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