Quest Outdoors

BuzzFloatman

I saw this on another site and rec'd a couple calls about this. Anyone in the "know" about how all this came down? I'll save my comments for later....

BK

April 10, 2006

QUEEN’S PARK – Jerry Ouellette, MPP Oshawa today confirmed the McGuinty government is discontinuing the stocking of Chinook salmon into the Great Lakes.

In the Legislature, Mr. Ouellette questioned Minister of Natural Resources, David Ramsay over this secretive and controversial decision.

“This is shocking news to the anglers of Ontario”, says Mr. Ouellette. “The Great Lakes salmon fishery is a world class fishery that provides substantial recreational, tourist and economic benefits to the province.”

In response to specific questions, Minister Ramsay refused to deny that his ministry was moving away from stocking Chinook salmon in the Great Lakes. While admitting that his ministry was embarking on the re-introduction of Atlantic salmon, the Minister refused to acknowledge the program was to complement the existing salmon stocking.

“Compromising the existing salmon stocking program is a serious mistake”, added Mr. Ouellette. “While it is important to improve the water quality and rehabilitate native fisheries in the Great Lakes, this decision, which was made without any consultation or public input, will have severe repercussions across the province.”

bt · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 3:56 pm Post subject:

"Rumours of my death are greatly exagerated" - Ontario Chinook.

Just politicians being politicians ie. playing games to call each other out. Although, we are getting Atlantics - "by hook or by crook".

Here's the latest from the OFAH website [and BK, appreciate that you're "saving your comments for later" or you'd fit the stereotype] :

Chinook salmon stocking safe

Province says there are no plans to eliminate Lake Ontario stocking

At the urgent request of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay has officially set the record straight on his government's commitment to continue stocking Chinook salmon and rainbow trout in Lake Ontario: There are no plans to eliminate Chinook or rainbow trout stocking.

In preparation for an Atlantic Salmon project, the O.F.A.H. was assured by the Ministry of Natural Resources that Chinook salmon stocking would continue on Lake Ontario. However, after hearing comments to the contrary, O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader insisted that Minister Ramsay, once again, clarify his government's commitment to pacific salmon – a vital part of our recreational fishery.

"Thank you for your letter of March 30, 2006, requesting clarification about Lake Ontario fisheries management direction. The ministry has no plans to eliminate Chinook or rainbow trout stocking in Lake Ontario," said Minister Ramsay in his letter sent last night to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

"We recognize that stocked Chinook salmon are currently the mainstay of the offshore fishery and naturalized rainbow trout are highly valued by lake and tributary anglers. The ministry remains committed to sustaining diverse salmon and trout fisheries in Lake Ontario that provide a broad range of benefits," said Minister Ramsay. Reader said the outdoors community is relieved to hear the Minister's clear, decisive pledge to continue supporting Lake Ontario's fisheries program.

"As the O.F.A.H. requested, we are pleased that the Minister provided clarification on this matter. The O.F.A.H. is looking forward to a successful Atlantic salmon program, however, we would never have supported this new project if we thought for a second that the stocking of Chinook salmon or trout would be in any way compromised."

- 30 -

Contact Greg Farrant
Government Relations Manager
(705) 748-6324
Robert J. Pye
Communications Coordinator
(705) 748-6324 ext. 267

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

BuzzFloatman · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 4:51 pm Post subject:

PEte,

The "Wild" card is a good thing, but it is making managing the resource a challenge. It is difficult for fisheries personel to tell how many smolts are going out to sea and how many that are actually going to survive to adulthood. Some years the survival is high, and low in other years which can really throw things out of whack either way. We face the same challenges on Lake MI right now. A lot of our major tribs have been pumping out a ton of Kings lately and it really showed last season with so many fish in the lake. The only downfall to this scenario is if the fish eat all the food, similar to the BKD fiasco in the late 80's. It's a never ending balancing act, hopefully there will always be a place for some hatchery fish to support and enhance the fisheries.

bt - thanks for the info, I knew I could ocunt on you or PEte for some reliable info.

Have a good day eh...

BK

bt · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:13 pm Post subject:

Yeah, it's an absolute miracle that Mother Nature was able to produce all the fish anyone could want without concrete ponds to grow them in........hehe.

Are we managing an aquarium or a wild ecosystem ?

BuzzFloatman · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:45 pm Post subject:

Good question bt. The problem is those da*n fisherman, all they want to do is catch fish Very Happy

The Great Lakes Salmonid fishery is the 30 plus year experiment with no end in sight.

BK

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

BK,
That is why I would be in favour of them stopping the stocking. Let the amount of food dictate the numbers... not how many we want to dump in!
PEte

bt · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:13 pm Post subject:

Yup, since the seaway was built, exotics [or invasives, if you prefer] have f'ed things up so badly in the GL's, that I think we have little choice but to manage them as "an artificial/manmade ecosystem". Anything wild [never mind native] is a bonus.

So bring on the new species ! I hear MI is getting a new strain of Browns planted, Skammie #'s are being increased in IN, IL is looking at stocking Stripers, and of course, here in Ontario we're getting Atlantics [again].

It's as exciting as returning from the pet store with a bag full of new ones to throw in behind the glass !

BrianD · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:55 pm Post subject:

BuzzFloatman · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 7:19 pm Post subject:

PEte,

Some sort of stocking is a must with this fishery. I would much rather see stringent regs on streams that consistently produce natural fish and plant streams that don't. Put the masses on the planted streams and let the people have at them. Meanwhile, the natural streams can do their thing without being beaten to death. Our famous PM hasen't been itself in recent years due to the "wild" fish fascination and the fish are harrassed non-stop. Give the people a small window of opportunity and let the fish do their thing in peace. Plant some other streams and the people will find their way over there.

Let's face it, we are spoiled with the quality of some of our fisheries. We want to go to the river and rack em' up more often than not. That's the mentality now and we are all gulity of it. Being satisfied with a fish or two isn't enough anymore, we can probably thank the fish factories on Erie for that train of thought.

There is a time and place for fish born in gravel and those born in cement ponds. The trick is to find a balance between the two.

BK

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

BuzzFloatman · Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 8:54 am Post subject:

PEte,

I am with you, only problem is there isn't much in the way of decent paying employment in those magical places. Guiding is one option, but tying hooks for dumba*s clients all day would drive me to drink after awhile Laughing

Two of my buddies just got back from the Geen and it was pretty dead. The feeling is most of the fish have gone thru Denny's. Outta be another great opener this year.

Be ready for a Skam trip this summer.

BK