On behalf of Muskies Canada…

On behalf of Muskies Canada I would like to thank the committee for the good work done on the FMZ 12 plan. While the whole plan is well developed, the section on Muskellunge is very well done.

First, I would suggest that Muskies Canada supports the goal, objectives, benchmarks and the six management actions outlined for muskellunge on page 47.

Of particular importance to an ecosystem approach is the harmonization of regulations across FMZ boundaries. Te Ottawa River is fed by major tributaries in every reach. The fish population moves in and out of these tributaries on a seasonal and biological cycle so the lower reaches of these tributaries play an important role concerning spawning areas, forage. With very few exceptions these lower tributary reaches are managed under different regulations, with an earlier opening season (13 days earlier than FMZ 12) and significantly smaller minimum size limits (for FMZ 18, 36" MSL vs 54" MSL for FMZ 12). In the case of the Mississippi and the Madawaska, these lower trib reaches are fish sanctuaries until opening and are considered subject to FMZ 12 regs. We would like to point out that the South Nation R., the Petawawa, and Chalk Rivers are all problematic in this way. It ws worth noting that the Quebec boundary for Zone 25 is significantly inland, and uses Hwy 148 as the defining line. This means that up tp the first bridge the Ottawa River regulations apply to all tributaries. Ontario should consider extending the FMZ regulations (opening dates and MSL) up into the lower stretches of the main tributaries, as recommended in Management action # 2. This could mean either first bridge or first natural obstacle. Research support for this recommendation should be provided.

Ontario's management approach for muskellunge depends on natural recruitment for sustainability. Spawning and young-of-the year (YOY) habit is of vital necessity to support a sustainable population over the long term. For FMZ 12, we would recommend a spawning habitat inventory on each reach as well as measures to protect all spawning and YOY habitat. This fits well with management action # 6 but goes further to document and then take measures to protect the habitat where spawning is taking place.

Thank you.

Peter Levick

President, Muskies Canada Sport Fishing and Research Inc.

[Original Comment ID: 193935]