New Fishing Regulations Focus On Ecosystems Streamlined Rules Would Make It Easier To Go Fishing
TORONTO — The Ontario government is developing a broader, ecological approach to fisheries management that includes streamlining fishing regulations and making them easier to understand and follow, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.
“Fishing is a popular outdoor activity for millions of Ontarians,” said Ramsay. “After taking a good look at fisheries management across the province, we are proposing changes that will better serve the needs of today’s anglers while ensuring provincial fish populations remain abundant and healthy for future generations.”
The ministry is proposing to reduce the number of fishing divisions across Ontario, basing boundaries on ecological and social criteria rather than geography alone. Fisheries management would shift from an emphasis on individual lakes to a system that functions on a broader landscape scale. The ministry will also create guidelines for all major sport fish species to ensure more effective management and will seek greater public involvement in fisheries management through enhanced stewardship programs.
“Right now we have different seasons and catch limits for 18 species of fish, and there are literally thousands of exceptions to the general rules for individual lakes,” said Ramsay. “Streamlining the regulations would make it easier for anglers to know and follow the rules, and would also make it easier for conservation officers to do their jobs.”
As part of this effort, the 2005/2006 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary covers two years instead of the usual one year. This will allow more time for the ministry to update and streamline the regulations before the next summary is published in 2007.
The ministry is posting the proposed new fishing divisions on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry for 45 days for public comment. To view the proposal notice, visit www.ene.gov.on.ca/samples/search/Ebrquery_REG.htm, and enter EBR Registry Number RB05E6005.
Visit http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/csb/news/2005/feb18fs_05.html for more information about the new regulations.