Fishing regulations: The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is implementing a new model for managing the province’s fisheries called the Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management. Fishing regulations are being developed for 20 new Fisheries Management Zones in Ontario. These zones are broad, ecological areas of the province that form the basis for regulating, monitoring, and reporting on Ontario’s recreational fishery, including lake sturgeon. The Moose River Basin falls within Fisheries Management Zones 3 and 8.
Recently, major changes were made to Ontario’s existing sport-fishing regulations in response to concerns about over-fishing of lake sturgeon. Recreational anglers are no longer allowed to keep any lake sturgeon they catch. Only catch-and-release is allowed in many parts of the province including Fisheries Management Zones 3 and 8. Traditional use of lake sturgeon by Aboriginal peoples for subsistence and ceremonial purposes is not affected. The ministry will be consulting with stakeholders and Aboriginal peoples to develop a long-term, province-wide management strategy that will address issues affecting the sustainability of lake sturgeon populations.
For additional information regarding the Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management and for current information on Ontario’s sport fishing regulations, visit: ontario.ca/fishing.
Research: The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is currently investigating sampling techniques and other methods to better estimate the abundance and condition of lake sturgeon populations. The intent is to incorporate these improved methods into the province’s Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management.
Habitat protection: The Government of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has the legislative authority to manage fish habitat in Ontario. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will, however, review applications for development proposals on or near water. When a proposed project is likely to alter fish habitat, the ministry refers the proposal to DFO for advice on protecting fish habitat or for authorization. The ministry continues to be involved in all other fish habitat management activities, such as the Community Fisheries & Wildlife Involvement Program (CFWIP), habitat rehabilitation, and improvements. Some of these activities, such as habitat restoration, may require DFO advice or authorization. Candidate habitats for lake sturgeon restoration include spawning, nursery areas, and migration routes.
Species at risk: Currently, all 24 species of sturgeon in the world are considered at risk. Under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (2007), lake sturgeon is listed provincially as “Special Concern.” The previous designation was “Not at Risk.” This higher risk level reflects concerns for the long-term sustainability of the resource. There is no imminent risk of losing lake sturgeon from the province, but a management plan for the species will need to be developed.
The federal government is conducting consultations about how to list lake sturgeon in Canada under the Species At Risk Act (SARA). Changes to the federal listing could have implications for how Ontario manages lake sturgeon in the future. Further information regarding species at risk in Ontario can be found at ontario.ca/speciesatrisk.
Enforcement: The Ministry of Natural Resources’ enforcement officers give priority attention to species at risk, including lake sturgeon. Officers direct enforcement patrols to sensitive areas where lake sturgeon congregate.
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