This consultation was open from:
April 15, 2016
to May 30, 2016
Decision summary
Objectives and strategies have been established to help maintain the fisheries within Fisheries Management Zone 12 of the Ottawa River. The Fisheries Management Plan will help promote ecological sustainability and evaluate the effectiveness of how it's managed.
Decision details
A decision was made on November 13, 2019 to proceed with the proposal as described, subject to changes made below as a result of public consultation, and the following additional changes made by the Ministry. A link to the Fisheries Management Plan is available for viewing below.
The Fisheries Management Zone 12 Background Information Report and Fisheries Management Plan was posted on the Environmental Registry for a 45 day comment period from April 15 to May 30, 2016. Editorial changes were required as a result from the comments received from the public. Changes to the Plan also resulted from discussions with First Nations.
Effects of consultation
The comments were generally supportive of the proposal. Some suggestions for change were provided. The following is a summary of substantive comments on this proposal and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s response.
- Goal statement revised to reflect maintenance of healthy connected ecosystems.
- References indicating that fisheries management strategies have been incorporated into Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s other business areas.
- Inclusion of information related to Indigenous Communities:
- References added to the gathering of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and other anecdotal information
- Additional Indigenous Background Information received from Indigenous communities will be added as it becomes available.
- Addition of a statement indicating that Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will consult if modifications are made to the Plan that adversely affect Indigenous Communities
- Management objectives and interim actions added for American Eel and Lake Sturgeon,
- Inclusion of a list of Indigenous communities that were consulted in Plan development,
- Potential partnership projects to include the collection of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and information about Indigenous fisheries.
- Clarification for species-specific concerns:
- Walleye preferences that reflect the Recreational Fishing Survey,
- Inclusion of further information regarding freshwater mussels in Ottawa River, and associated fish hosts.
- Tributary protection added to management challenges for Muskellunge,
- Northern Pike management strategies to support size limits,
- Added text to indicate fish habitat is maintained through avoidance, mitigation and/or off-setting measures as appropriate on a case by case basis.
- Addition of a list of government agencies with a role in fish habitat management, and clarification on information sharing with other government agencies.
- Actions added to report fishing violations.
- Quebec strategic direction has been updated and monitoring activities included.
- Correction of minor errors and clarity on definitions.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
10 Campus Drive
Postal Bag 2002
Kemptville ,
ON
K0G 1J0
Canada
31 Riverside Drive
Pembroke,
ON
K8A 8R6
Canada
3301 Trout Lake Road
North Bay,
ON
P1A 4L7
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
Ilsa Schoenijahn
300 Water Street, Robinson Place 4th Floor, South Tower
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
Description of policy
The intent of the Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management is to manage and monitor fisheries at a larger Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) scale to provide optimal social, cultural and economic opportunities and values derived through the biologically sustainable use of aquatic resources across FMZs and the province, and to enhance public input and involvement in the fisheries management planning process. As a result, Fisheries Management Advisory Councils that include representation from First Nations, stakeholders, the science community and the public have been established. The intent of the councils is to help the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) develop direction and objectives for the management of fisheries resources. This new direction will help the MNRF to better address fisheries sustainability, evaluate the effectiveness of management actions and address other resource management concerns on a fisheries management zone basis.
Fisheries Management Zone 12 (FMZ 12) includes portions of the MNRF administrative districts of Kemptville, Pembroke and North Bay. The fisheries resources of FMZ 12 are used by First Nations, resident anglers and non-resident anglers as well as commercial fishers. They provide important recreational, economic and cultural importance to communities within the zone. Prominent sports fish species within FMZ 12 include walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish, and muskellunge.
The MNRF, in co-operation with the FMZ 12 Advisory Council, have developed a range of fisheries management objectives and strategies, which will be specific to maintaining fisheries within the unique ecological and social features of FMZ 12. These objectives and strategies form the basis of the draft Fisheries Management Plan which is being presented to the public for review and consultation prior to preparation of a final plan.
The FMZ 12 plan for the Ottawa River does not contain any regulation changes, all regulation changes on the Ottawa River were made prior to the establishment of the FMZ 12 Advisory Council as part of a regulation harmonization project with Quebec.
The information collected during the planning process for the Fisheries Management Zone 12 Fisheries Management Plan will be used by the public, the private sector, municipalities and government agencies to help guide future management of fisheries and aquatic resources to ensure the sustainability of the aquatic ecosystems in FMZ 12.
FMZ 12 – Ottawa River Fisheries Management Plan
FMZ 12 – Background Information Report
Purpose of policy
The purpose of the fisheries management plan is to provide direction for the management of the fisheries resources within Fisheries Management Zone 12.
Other information
Information on the draft Fisheries Management Zone 12 Fisheries Management Plan/additional information on the Ecological Framework for Fisheries Management and the Fisheries Management Zones
The online questionnaire.
Joff Cote, Management Biologist (French Language Services)
Ministry of Natural Resources
Regional Operations Division
Southern Region
Kemptville District
10 Campus Drive
Postal Bag 2002
Kemptville Ontario
K0G 1J0
PHONE: (613) 258-8214
FAX: (613) 258-3920
Public consultation
This proposal was posted for a 45 day public review and comment period starting April 15, 2016. Comments were to be received by May 30, 2016.
All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry.
Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
10 Campus Drive
Postal Bag 2002
Kemptville ,
ON
K0G 1J0
Canada
31 Riverside Drive
Pembroke,
ON
K8A 8R6
Canada
3301 Trout Lake Road
North Bay,
ON
P1A 4L7
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from April 15, 2016
to May 30, 2016
Connect with us
Contact
John Boos
300 Water Street
4th floor
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
7By email
0By mail
3