As an angler in northern…

As an angler in northern Ontario (Long Lake, Charlton), I am greatly concerned by the proposed changes put forward under this article.

It is difficult to understand the intention of a ban of live bait in Ontario provincial parks where many bait species used are native and part of the natural ecosystem. No responsible angler or outfitter will support the introduction of disease or invasive species into their waterways - for many outfitters, live bait sales contribute significantly to their business models, and anglers such as myself appreciate successful fishing during the spring and winter ice fishing seasons due to the use of live bait.

The proposed ban is, incredibly broad and sufficiently confusing - in some areas invisible boundaries are drawn across waterways - live bait will not respect these boundaries - how could the ban be enforced in these circumstances? More-over, with the proposed Bait Flow limiting the use of live bait in Northern Ontario, the ban of live bait in certain northern Provincial waterparks becomes redundant and excessive.

Perhaps a more appropriate way forward is improving education on the damage caused by the introduction of invasive species and disease to a natural waterway - and appropriate fines and/or penalties for those caught in breach of specific, reasonable guidelines that have a much better chance of success of keeping our waterways in their beautiful and pristine conditions.

It is my sincere hope that public consultation is sought before the implementation of this policy - and that input of responsible outfitters, anglers and local experts is leveraged to create reasonable and appropriate policies to protect and preserve our waterways.

Thank-you for your consideration in this very important matter,

[Original Comment ID: 209914]