As proposed the new bait…

As proposed the new bait policy will greatly have a negative effect on the bait industry , tourist outfitters an retail shops through out northern ont.. I have listed a few of the points that should be considered before a policy like this is implemented without additional consultation with the effected user groups. We do however understand that some changes may need to take place. As stewards of the bait industry we also as a group want to preserve the use of bait in Ontario an preserve out natural renewable resource while taking positive steps to protect ontario waters.

1) loss of Revenue for lodges an retailers (lack of bait).

2) Without being able to move bait from zone 10 to the north harvesters in zone 10 will have no demand for there bait an havesters will have to layoff staff.

3) There is no confirmed science as to the lines that have be drawn up as to proposed bait zones.

4) There has been no confirmed VHS that has been spread north by bait.

5) Without bait from zone 10 the northern zone will not be able to provide bait for residents in winter months which will result in no bait for fisherman an no bait for the retailers to sell .

6) In southern zones leeches are not harvested without leeches that are harvested in northern zones the fisherman of the south will have to stop using leeches as bait as there will be no supply. As leeches are a very sought after bait this will cause a huge concern. (will most likely be commented on by OFAH

7 )When asked about enforcement of policy I was told that the concerns around enforcement was left up to the enforcement branch to deal with. Before the policy is passed there should be some consultation with the user groups,enforcement branch, OFAH,NOTO, an the group proposing the policy. If the policies are not enforceable easily then change may have to be looked at.

8) Once again northern business are losing jobs and revenues obtained by our renewable resources to policies that are coming from Queens park with out proper consultation of all user groups being effected.

9)

[Original Comment ID: 209922]