Comment
I am in favor of allowing the transport of baitfish and leeches across BMZ boundaries. In addition to the reasons mentioned (remote access/communities, road networks), it would allow the angler more flexibility in bodies of water he or she can fish. Under current regulations, if someone wanted to fish in a different BMZ, they would have to dispose of any remaining bait. A practice the MNR would like to avoid.
Also, this would be one less thing your agents would have to monitor if the body of water is close to a boundary line.
In the cases of dead bait fish, there is no threat of spreading invasive species. And, if preserved properly, the disease threat is not present.
While well intentioned, I'm sure there have been instances where the consumer has been cited because they were not aware of the new regulations. In that case, it can have a discouraging effect on their enjoyment, and possible continuation, of this activity.
I feel adjustments to these regulations have more positives than negatives.
Submitted September 11, 2023 5:33 PM
Comment on
Proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 664/98 Fish Licensing (O. Reg. 664/98) to enable the transport of preserved bait and the temporary movement of bait into and out of Bait Management Zones
ERO number
019-7215
Comment ID
93125
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status