Draft Fisheries Management Zone 15 Management Plan

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.