On behalf of the Sault…

On behalf of the Sault Naturalists, I am submitting comments regarding the draft policy for the management of bait (baitfish & leeches) in Ontario.

We acknowledge that progress has been made in an attempt to reduce the significant risk associated with the harvest, use and movement of bait on the health, ecological integrity and biodiversity of Ontario’s fisheries. However, in our view, the only viable option to best protect our aquatic ecosystem from the well documented impacts associated with bait, is to ban bait in Ontario.

Interestingly, most provinces and all territories in Canada have either outright banned bait or greatly restricted the use of bait. Ontario, with the largest freshwater fisheries in the country, is at the back of the pack in the progressive management of its fisheries resource.

Many of the proposals outlined in this policy add additional complexity to already complex (and confusing) provincial fishing regulations. Effective enforcement is paramount to ensure compliance regarding the proposed bait movement restrictions both for commercial licensees and anglers. A simplification of the fishing regulations may be a more effective means to deal with the ecological risks associated with bait harvest and use.

In response to the policy posted on the Environmental Registry (EBR #012-9791), the Sault Naturalists Club recommends the following:

1.Implement a 5 year phase-in ban on bait in Ontario in order to minimize the introduction of fish species where they don’t belong, as well as the spread of invasive species and disease

2.An immediate ban on personal harvest, storage and use of bait in all Provincial Parks (including Recreation Class parks) and Conservation Reserves

3.An immediate ban of commercial harvest and storage of bait in all Provincial Parks (including Recreation Class parks) and Conservation Reserves

Thank you for this opportunity to provide input on this important issue.

[Original Comment ID: 209526]