Draft Fisheries Management Zone 15 Management Plan

ERO number
019-5715
Notice type
Policy
Act
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
Posted by
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Notice stage
Proposal
Proposal posted
Comment period
September 29, 2022 - November 28, 2022 (60 days) Closed
Last updated

This consultation was open from:

September 29, 2022
to November 28, 2022

Proposal summary

In co-operation with the Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 Advisory Council, the ministry has developed a Draft Fisheries Management Plan for FMZ 15 which outlines the status of fisheries, sets fish population objectives, and provides direction for the management of recreational fisheries and aquatic resources.

Proposal details

Background

The intent of the Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management is to manage and monitor fisheries at a larger 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.  Advisory councils have been established for each fisheries management zone where active planning is occurring. The FMZ 15 Advisory Council is comprised of a broad range of perspectives, including First Nation and Métis communities, local anglers, the tourism sector, environmental non-government organizations, local business representatives, cottage associations, and the general public. The intent of these councils is to help the ministry identify specific management direction and develop objectives for the sustainable use of fisheries resources. This system helps the Ministry to better address fisheries concerns, evaluate the effectiveness of management actions and address other resource management issues on a fisheries management zone basis.

Draft FMZ 15 Management Plan

FMZ 15 is primarily within the ministry’s administrative districts of Bancroft, Parry Sounds and Pembroke, with some portions falling within the boundaries of North Bay and Peterborough districts. The fisheries resources of FMZ 15 experience high pressure from a wide group of resource users, including commercial tourist operators, resident and non-resident anglers, and Indigenous subsistence fishers. These resources provide important recreational, economic and cultural opportunities to communities within the zone. Prominent sports fish species within FMZ 15 include Walleye, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Muskellunge and Panfish.

In co-operation with the FMZ 15 Advisory Council, the ministry has developed a draft fisheries management plan for FMZ 15. The plan outlines the status of fisheries, sets objectives, and provides direction for the management of recreational fisheries and aquatic resources. Proposed changes will ensure sustainable fisheries management, while helping to protect, preserve, and recover specific fish populations.

The draft fisheries management plan is being presented to the public for review and comment. The information collected during the consultation process will help guide future management decisions.

Regulatory impact analysis

The anticipated environmental and social consequences of this proposal are positive. The approaches presented in the draft plan aim to balance the ecological and socioeconomic objectives of the region.

The anticipated economic consequences of this proposal are neutral. While reduced size limits are included as proposed options for some fish species, options for additional angler opportunities are proposed for other species.

There are no annual administrative costs to businesses anticipated from these proposed changes.

Information sessions

Information sessions related to the review of the Draft Fisheries Management Plan will be held via remote meetings which may be arranged by reaching out to the contact listed in this notice during the comment period.

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.

MNRF - ROD - Regional Resources Planning Team
Address

300 Water Street
4th Floor, South tower
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7
Canada

Comment

Commenting is now closed.

The comment period was from September 29, 2022
to November 28, 2022

Connect with us

Contact

Jesse Van Allen

Phone number
Office
MNRF - ROD - Regional Resources Planning Team
Address

300 Water Street
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7
Canada

Sign up for notifications

We will send you email notifications with any updates related to this consultation. You can change your notification preferences anytime by visiting settings in your profile page.

Follow this notice