PROPOSED DRAFT COMMENTS AND…

PROPOSED DRAFT COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARIZED FROM 40 ANGLERS IN THE CENTRAL SECTION OF FMZ 12 FOR SUBMISSION TO OMNRF:

1.Don’t like that, as proposed, the Ottawa River, through proposed- BMZ F-( FMZ 16-17-18) is directly linked to the Lake Simcoe/Great Lakes VHS Zone through all of FMZ 18, when only a small portion of FMZ 18 is currently included in the Lake Simcoe/Great Lakes VHS Zone.

2.The restrictions of the movement of baitfish, as proposed in the new “Bait Management Zones, eliminates the risk of the spread of disease and invasive species into the Ottawa River. As a result, this gives Quebec good reason to review their ban on the use of minnows in the Ottawa River and support harmonization with Ontario. Quebec might have considered allowing Bait from FMZ 15 & 18 into the Ottawa River as a compromise, but not now if FMZ 18 is linked with Lake Simcoe/Great Lakes VHS Zone, not a chance.

3.Recommend that FMZ 18 be designated as its own Bait Management Zone. This would serve as an extra buffer zone from the Lake Simcoe/Great Lakes VHS Zone. It would then allow Quebec to reconsider their exception for bait on the Ottawa River Boundary Waters.

4.Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) needs to weigh in and comment on the dangers of the proposed inclusion of FMZ 18 with the Lake Simcoe/Great Lakes VHS Zone.

5.We know that VHS killed at least 60% of the St. Lawrence Muskie and Bass. We don’t want this to happen in the Ottawa River when it can be effectively prevented through the simple and logical designation and management of Zones!!

6.Establishing additional Bait Management Zones creates more compartmentalized areas leading to easier and more effective management controls.

7.The current proposal for keeping bait for only two weeks is too short—what a waste. Most bait, including Leeches, can be kept for longer periods. This two week proposal would lead to an abuse of resources, not an objective the OMNRF and general public can support.

8.Does the OMNRF know all the natural brook trout lakes? Does the ban apply to non-operating parks?

9.Need better communications regarding regulation changes.

10.If the VHS and Invasive species is such a threat, we need more sampling and monitoring not less or none by the OMNRF?

11.Baitfish Regulation Harmonization is the most important issue facing Anglers fishing in FMZ 12, the Ottawa River, and other Boundary Waters, i.e. St. Lawrence River. As noted above #2, there is a solution.

12.Need to find/allow some compromise with Quebec on Boundary Waters in order to fix the Baitfish Harmonization Issue.

13.One solution for the Ottawa River - FMZ 12 and Quebec Zone 25 - would be to create a BMZ-OQ which would include FMZ 12+15+18 and Quebec Zone 25 as a group. Then the angler could use his bait from his inland zone in the Ottawa River. As well, this would give Quebec new reasons to revisit the Bait Harmonization Issue!!!

The watersheds in these zones all empty into the Ottawa River, along with all species of bait, so there is no opportunity for cross pollution that does not already exist!! Is this fact beyond the scope of understanding by the respective Ontario and Quebec Ministry biologists???

14.The proposed establishment of new BMZs will go a long way to reduce the movement of diseased bait and invasive species. This will help maintain a sustainable fishery. Good plan.

15.How are Aboriginal Harvesting Rights affected by the establishment of these new BMZ??? If we are to manage and attempt to control these diseases and invasive species, then everybody in Ontario must abide by the same rules, or all is in vain and a joke!

16.Enforcement is limited by budgets. We get that. Put in place a sensible solution that ordinary Anglers will see as “Common Sense & Practical” and they will follow the rules and encourage others to do the same for the sake of the protecting the fishing resource that is so important to them. Right now anglers are throwing up their hands in frustration and disbelief that the “high price help” can’t get this right!!! So why bother partnering and respecting rules coming from the “Ivory Tower” that don’t make sense??

17.The proposal for personal bait harvest is too restrictive; limiting catch and possession to the body of water you are fishing on. The baitfish purchased from dealers can be moved around in the BMZ and into the Ottawa River. The Angler must have the same privilege. The angler is the first, primary and principal user of this resource, as well as the main financial contributor not the “bait dealer.” So the angler should have the same or more rights when it comes to harvesting and using bait. i.e. catch and use bait in the respective BMZ. Enforcement is the challenge here. So the angler would have to show proof of residence in the zone he has possession of the minnows. Likewise, the Tourist would have to show proof of the location he is staying at in the zone. This proof of residence would be equivalent to a receipt from the Bait Dealer in the Zone. Don’t penalize the angler here, but educate, partner and regulate and the anglers will accept and conform to best practices.

18. This is a great and forward thinking plan to establish BMZ in Ontario. Get it right for the Angler and the Fishing Industry as a whole.

The proposed strategic policy for bait management in Ontario is currently on the Ontario Environmental Registry for public review until June 27, 2017. Open this link and got to Submit to enter your comments etc.. http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?notic…\

OR:All comments on this proposal must be directed to:

Scott Gibson Senior Fisheries Biologist Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Policy Division Species Conservation Policy Branch Fisheries Section 300 Water Street Peterborough Ontario K9J 8M5 Phone: (705) 755-5395 Fax: (705) 755-2901

[Original Comment ID: 209918]