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Ontario has approved the Lake Nipissing Fisheries Management Plan.
The plan highlights the value of the ecological diversity of the lake and is designed to be flexible and adaptable to a wide range of future conditions says a news release from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
It will help guide future management of fisheries and aquatic resources to ensure the sustainability of the Lake Nipissing ecosystem.
The plan also confirms steps already taken to protect the stressed walleye population in Lake Nipissing for future generations.
The walleye population in Lake Nipissing is in serious decline with the current population now half of what it was in the 1980s.
It includes three sport fishing regulation changes implemented in 2014 to support walleye recovery.
Fisheries surveys indicate that fewer small walleye are now being harvested by anglers under the new walleye regulation change. This will allow these young fish the ability to grow to maturity and reproduce.
The Lake Nipissing Fisheries Management Plan was developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry with advice from the Lake Nipissing Fisheries Management Plan Advisory Council and the public.
The plan includes actions to
- ensure a healthy lake environment
- conserve the diversity of the fish community
- provide opportunities to contribute to the social and economic well-being of the surrounding area
The final plan is available to view online through the Environmental Registry (ER) at www.ontario.ca/ebr (ER registry number 012-1353) and by appointment at the local MNRF district office at 3301 Trout Lake Road, North Bay, ON P1A 4L7.
For more information or to make an appointment to view the plan, contact Valerie Vaillancourt, Management Biologist, at 705-475-5530 or by e-mail at [email protected].
