Put Safety First Around Lakes And Rivers McGuinty Government Promotes Fishing As Fun Family Day Activity

Safety on and around Ontario’s lakes and rivers should be everyone’s top priority when outdoors this Family Day Weekend.
To encourage families to get outside and try ice fishing, Ontario residents who don’t have a licence can fish without one from February 13 to 15. These anglers must follow the conservation licence limits set out in the 2010 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. Read more...

Internationally-Recognized Researcher Named Invasive Species Chair McGuinty Government Taking Steps To Tackle Non-Native Species

Dr. Pedro Antunes has been appointed research chair of invasive species biology at Algoma University.
Dr. Antunes will develop an international network of researchers through the university’s Invasive Species Research Institute and will conduct invasive species research on critical priorities in Ontario. He will also work closely with the Invasive Species Centre in addressing the threat of forest invasive species and invasive plants. Read more...

Showcasing Ontario’s Biodiversity At The ROM McGuinty Government Supports The United Nations’ International Year Of Biodiversity

To mark the United Nations’ International Year of Biodiversity, a new Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) program will showcase “A Slice of Life” in Ontario from Polar Bear Provincial Park in the north to Point Pelee in the south.
The ROM is partnering with the Ministry of Natural Resources to offer a year-long series of workshops, podcasts, lectures and teaching tools to encourage Ontarians to appreciate and protect the province’s rich diversity of plant and animal life. Read more...

Ontario Supports American Bid to Protect Great Lakes McGuinty Government Taking Steps To Prevent Spread Of Asian Carp

Ontario is supporting legal efforts by Michigan and other American states to prevent the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. The move recognizes the significant economic threat these fish pose to the province's fisheries.

A legal brief from the Province has been filed with the United States Supreme Court supporting Michigan's motion for a preliminary injunction to close the locks in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The closure is one of a number of measures sought by Michigan to keep this invasive species from passing into Lake Michigan. Read more...

New Fishing Regulations In 2010 McGuinty Government Creates New Opportunities For Anglers

There are new opportunities and rules for anglers fishing in Ontario’s lakes and rivers.

New fishing regulations for 2010 include:

Year-round fishing for crappie, sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike in the Kawartha Lakes area
Longer fall seasons for bass and muskellunge in the Kawartha Lakes area
Longer winter season for lake trout in the Thunder Bay area
Simpler size restrictions for certain species in the Thunder Bay area
Forty-two more lake trout and brook trout lakes with extended seasons and/or reduced harvest restrictions.
Ontario’s summer Family Fishing Weekend has been extended to a full Family Fishing Week in July.

Read more...