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Reports

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Saved by John W Lehman
on February 15, 2010 at 6:53:17 pm
 

 

Fisheries Management Planning Report

 

In 2004, the Ministry of Natural Resources introduced the Ecological Framework for Fisheries Management to enhance fisheries management in Ontario. This new approach included public input into decision making from Advisory Councils for all 20 planned Fisheries Management Zones (FMZ) in Ontario. Each Advisory Council consists of 15 to 20 volunteers representing a variety of stakeholders and interest groups.

In 2008, the 20 new Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs) were created under this framework. The Algoma District is included in FMZ 10 and the FMZ 10 Advisory Council was one of the original three pilot councils established. The focus of this council was on lake trout sustainability based on the findings of the Northeast Lake Project (2000-2005). Data from this project determined that lake trout populations in FMZ 10 generally are in poor health with only 17% of these lakes being fished at a sustainable level.

The Ministry of Natural Resources with the support of the FMZ 10 Advisory Council has developed a strategy to manage lake trout in Zone 10. Several regulatory options were presented to the public for comment in the spring of 2009. Based on comments received, recommendations of the Fisheries Advisory Council and the best available science, new fishing regulations have been developed for lake trout in Zone 10, yellow perch on Manitoulin Island and walleye in the French River.

Changes to Zone 10 Lake Trout Fishing Regulations in 2010

Catch & Possession Limit:

Sports fish Licence: Limit of 2 Lake Trout (down from 3)

Conservation Licence: Limit of 1 Lake Trout (down from 2)

Sizes Limit:

Sports fish Licence: 1 Lake Trout any size, 1 Lake Trout under 40 cm

Conservation Licence: 1 Lake Trout any size

(Note: Previously there was no size limit on lake trout)

Open Season:

January 1 to Labour Day (reduced from Jan 1 -Sept 30).

The rational for these changes in the FMZ 10 fishing regulations is based on the fact that approximately half of the female lake trout mature by age 7 and generally at 40 cm in length. In addition mature female are more vulnerable to angling from mid summer to late summer given energy requirements associated with egg production. Limiting the harvest of lake trout over 40 cm to one fish, and closing the season on Labour Day will reduce the number of mature females harvested. Protecting mature females will ensure the sustainability of lake trout populations.

In 2010, 18 new lakes in Zone 10 are now designated for additional fishing opportunities. These lakes are stocked with hatchery lake trout and there is no size restriction on angled fish. These „put-grow-take‟ lakes deflect fishing effort from vulnerable naturally reproducing lake trout lakes.

Manitoulin Island is considered unique in FMZ 10. It has a warmer climate and a different geology (limestone vs shield) and as a result has a higher aquatic productivity. As a result, the lake trout lakes warrant special consideration. The regulation changes on Manitoulin Island include a reduction from three to two lake trout for a sport fishing licence, with no size restriction. The open season will remain January 1 to September 30 in 2010.

For other changes in FMZ 10 Fisheries Regulations for French River Walleye and Manitoulin Perch see http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/278898.pdf

Valerie Walker

FMZ 10 Council Representative

(From 2009 Annual Report)

 

Fisheries Management Zone 10 Council Report/Lake Trout Fact Sheet

In January 2008, the Ministry of Natural Resources created 20 new fisheries management zones (FMZ) based on biological, climatic and social criteria. These FMZs will become the unit of management for the majority of lakes so that fish populations are monitored, assessed and regulated at the zone level. Each new fisheries management zone will have an advisory council, which will help develop management strategies for the zones. Valerie Walker is a member of the FMZ 10 advisory council, which includes the Algoma District. Click on EFFM.doc to download a file with more information and maps. Following is a message from Val.

 As the Club’s representative on the Fisheries Management Zone 10 Council, I am sending you this ‘hot off the press' Lake Trout Fact Sheet. This fact sheet summarizes the state of the lake trout resource in Northeastern Ontario. It also highlights the province’s new Ecological Framework for recreational Fisheries Management.

 Ontario is now divided into 20 Fisheries Management Units (as opposed to the former 37 Fishing Divisions). The Algoma District is included in Zone 10. As you may be aware, the Ministry of Natural Resources has created a council made up of local stakeholder representatives to help develop management strategies for our local sports fishery. The focus of the Zone 10 Council is on a plan for the sustainability of lake trout. Right now, lake trout here are in poor health overall with 27% of lake trout lakes in decline and 41% considered degraded.

 Zone 10 Council recommendation for changes in the 2010 Lake Trout Fishing Regulations is reflective of the need to reduce the harvest of lake trout via a reduction in the daily catch limit as well as a reduction in the open season. Here is Council’s recommendation:

Lake Trout limit = 2 /day

1 any size

1 less than 40 cm

Season: Feb 15 Sept 30

 (Currently 3 LT any size, Jan 1- Sept 30)

 In addition, there are 37 “recovery” lake trout lakes that have been identified in Zone 10 that have proposed restrictions to further limit harvest.

 A Ministry of Natural Resources public consultation is planned for this March, so watch this wiki www.soonats.pbworks.com for your opportunity to comment on this important issue.

Valerie Walker

FMZ 10 Council Representative

(Feb. 2009)

 

Forest Management Planning Report

The Algoma Forest Local Citizen Committee of Sault Ste. Marie (LCC) formed in 1990. Since that time a Sault Naturalist member had participated to represent naturalist viewpoints regarding forest uses and benefits.

This year the team for Algoma has been finalizing the Forest Management Plan for the years 2010 to 2020. Information centres were held for the public to comment on proposed initiatives, review of public responses received at the information centres were made, a summary report was submitted for the draft plan, and a further open house was held in July 2009. The draft plan was finalized and sent to the Regional Director in November of 2009.

Issues:

1. A variety of members have changed on the committee this year. Ongoing training for new members will be necessary.

2. LCC members have voiced concerns that social and economic benefits be discussed in more detail.

3. Tourism and recreational values as well as fibre and other non-timber resources of the forest must be enhanced.

4. an adjustment to the shelterwood system of forest extraction was proposed.

5. The LCC unanimously approved a forest planning objective to address climate change. Many other plans have not incorporated this however our committee felt it was necessary to get the MNR and industry thinking about climate change in a formal way. The recommendation, included in the 210-2020 FMP states:

“This plan commits to the adoption of all relevant and practical aspects of any climate change policy developed for forest management planning purposes by the MNR, as soon as any such policy is approved for implementation even though the policy may only be required for future FMP‟s, approved after the policy becomes effective. This commitment only applies to those aspects of any policy that will not require a plan amendment to be implemented.”

Sault Naturalists Annual Report - 2009 Page 9

The committee has a good working relationship with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Clergue Forest Management Planning office however the planning process is complex and arduous. The Forest Management Planning Manual states that the local citizen committee be “integral” to the planning process as well as “monitor” the plan itself. This should continue to be the central focus of the LCC as it develops through time.

I am pleased to sit on the committee on behalf of the naturalists.

Donna Ryckman-Rooney

Local Citizens Committee Representative

(From 2009 Annual Report)

 

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