Draft Fisheries Management Zone 10 Management Plan

Background

The Provincial Fish Strategy-Fish for the Future (2015) was developed to provide up-to-date direction for the management of Ontario’s fisheries and supporting ecosystems. The strategy was developed through extensive input and the engagement of Indigenous communities, agency partners and key stakeholders. The primary purpose of the strategy is to improve the conservation and management of fisheries and the habitat on which fish communities depend on. As well as promote, facilitate and encourage fishing as an activity that contributes to individual well-being and the social, cultural and economic well-being of communities in Ontario.

Advisory Councils have been established for each FMZ. The FMZ 10 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 owners, 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 an FMZ basis.

Draft Fisheries Management Zone 10 Management Plan

FMZ 10 is primarily located within the ministry’s administrative district of Sudbury and Sault St. Marie, with some portions falling within the boundaries of Timmins, Wawa, Kirkland Lake and Chapleau districts. The fisheries resources of FMZ 10 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 10 include walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout, brook trout and muskellunge.

In co-operation with the FMZ 10 Advisory Council, we have developed a draft fisheries management plan for FMZ 10. The plan outlines the status of fisheries, sets objectives, and provides direction for the management of recreational fisheries and aquatic resources.

Proposed changes will help to 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 others.

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. Reasonable opportunities to remotely meet during non-business hours will be provided upon request.

Supporting documents can be viewed in person at the offices listed below. Please reach out to the contact listed in this notice to see if alternative arrangements can be made.