Fisheries Management Zone 16 – Consultation on Planning Approaches

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is responsible for sustainably managing recreational fisheries in Ontario. The primary unit for fisheries planning, management and monitoring are FMZs. Fisheries management planning aims to document the current state of the fisheries as well as the goals, objectives and management actions intended to maintain or move the zone closer to a desired future state.

Fisheries management

FMZ planning is based on a foundation of collaboration, and FMZ plans are typically developed in consultation with advisory councils. FMZ 16 is located in southwestern Ontario and includes the Greater Toronto Area. Fisheries management is a unique challenge in this zone as it supports the largest urban population of any zone, along with the highest proportion of resident anglers of any zone in Ontario. Angling statistics from 2015 illustrate the extensive use of the sport fishery in FMZ 16 with over 300,000 active anglers.

Due to the large population, FMZ 16 houses a wide range of stakeholder groups with an interest in fisheries management. These groups hold diverse opinions about how FMZ 16 should be managed. A modified planning approach may be needed in FMZ 16 in order to address the complex nature of the Zone. Given the diverse range of stakeholders and interests across FMZ 16, MNRF recognizes the importance of providing additional opportunities for the public and stakeholders to provide input into the planning approach.

Consultations to date

In the fall of 2017, Listening Sessions were conducted to launch fisheries management planning in FMZ 16. The intent of the sessions was to ask interested parties for advice on what planning for FMZ 16 should include and consider. MNRF invited stakeholders, members of the public and Conservation Authorities to Listening Sessions held across southwestern Ontario. MNRF also held sessions to hear from First Nation and Métis communities on how they would like to be engaged in FMZ 16 planning.

The Listening Sessions resulted in a considerable amount of feedback. The comments received were analyzed and organized into themes and categorized according to whether or not they are within the scope of fisheries management planning. Two important themes emerged from this first set of consultations, and MNRF is seeking further feedback from all stakeholders on proposals related to:

• the best geographic scale for fisheries management planning in FMZ 16
• the best way to ensure stakeholders, Indigenous communities, conservation organizations and other relevant agencies can continue to participate in fisheries management planning

This Discussion Paper is intended to seek input on the all proposed concepts that may help inform fisheries management in FMZ 16. MNRF looks forward to working together on a shared vision for Fisheries Management planning in FMZ 16, and ensuring the management enables collaboration between parties who have a shared interest in the stewardship of the fishery.