The Outaouais Chapter of the…

The Outaouais Chapter of the Fédération québécoise des Chasseurs et Pêcheurs strongly opposes the proposed baitfish regulation change that would eliminate all reference to the VHS management zone and authorize transport of live bait from that zone to FMZ 12(ON) / 25(QC), a zone that, as far as we know, is free of aquatic exotic species and VHS, a testimony to the efficiency of the natural and human barriers isolating it from the St-Laurence system.

A regulation whose stated objectives are «...1. To protect the health of aquatic ecosystems and 2. To enhance the quality of life for Ontarians by providing recreational, social and economic benefits...» and that should «...1. Reduce ecological risks associated with the movement and use of bait and 2. Maintain healthy fisheries across the province...» should have imposed restrictions to the movement of live bait from the VHS management zone to the rest of the province, rather than liberalize it.

By proceeding with this regulation change you increase significantly the risk of introduction of VHS to other waters, and we must not forget the other exotic species that can be transported in the holding water. When you authorize transport of live bait from the VHS management zone to FMZ 12/25, you, in fact, increase the risk of introduction of that disease in the province of Québec, while Québec takes strong steps to reduce the risk of transfer of diseases and exotics from the St-Laurence River to the inland waters.

The proposed regulation change negates a long history of cooperation between fisheries managers of the two governments on FMZ 12/25, the bottom line of which has always been the conservation of the fish species and the fisheries.

The lower reach of FMZ 12/25 supports a world quality muskellunge fishery. That specie is particularly sensitive to VHS, we cannot risk losing that fishery.

This is why we are of the opinion that BMZ limits should be redefined in such a way that live bait cannot be legally transported from the VHS management zone to FMZ 12/25.

[Original Comment ID: 209822]