I understand and applaud the…

I understand and applaud the efforts of the MNRF to improve and protect our fisheries and in particular regarding the invasive species. I do believe everyone can also understand the overwhelming task to monitor and enforce transportation of baitfish between management zones let alone between waterbodies. And finally, I do believe everyone can understand wanting to protect native brook trout lakes.

My question/comment is in this regard. In Northern Ontario there has been limited development around native brook trout lakes and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has been diligent in enforcing the Provincial Policy Statement to minimize further development in these rural areas. But for people who are fortunate enough to have property or LUPs around these lakes, the restriction of no live bait may be excessive. Again understanding the monitoring and enforcement aspect, I would ask that personal harvest of baitfish be reconsidered with the restrictions brought forth that baitfish do not leave the waterbody they were caught and logs/documentation are kept. For these people it has been a way of life (summer and winter) to trap baitfish from the lake then utilize them for fishing purposes within the same lake.

Additional clarification is also needed as to whether or not a lake that has both brook trout and lake trout would be considered a native brook trout lake.

Utilizing a broad brush across the entire province when the more significant problem can be identified to a particular region (Southern Ontario vs. Northern Ontario) is not the best approach to all issues.

Thank you for your consideration of my comments.

[Original Comment ID: 209652]