Ontario’s new fishing regulations in place for January

MNR News Release

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TORONTO — The 2008-2009 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary is now available, Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield announced today.

“A number of changes to Ontario’s fishing regulations come into effect on January 1, 2008, and these are outlined in the new summary,” said Cansfield. “The new regulations are easier to understand, provide a more consistent approach to managing fisheries, and help ensure the health and sustainability of the province’s fish populations.”

The regulation changes are part of the ministry’s new ecological framework for recreational fisheries management in Ontario. This includes managing fisheries on a zone basis rather than on an individual lake basis, reducing the number of fishing zones to 20 from 37 divisions and establishing zone councils to enhance public involvement. As part of the framework, the ministry is planning to implement a new broadscale fisheries monitoring program that will provide additional information for future management decisions.

Generally, anglers will notice few differences in seasons and limits for most species. However, some changes were needed to establish regulations for the new zones, conserve valuable fisheries resources and increase angling opportunities where sustainable. Anglers should check the summary carefully.

The 2008-2009 summary has improved text and maps to help users find regulations and make the summary easier to use.

“We welcome the release of the new fishing regulations, and are pleased that the changes are responsive to the interests of the angling community,” said Mike Reader, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Executive Director. “I encourage all anglers to get a copy of the summary before going fishing.”

Residents of Canada should note the establishment of the new Canadian Resident Fishing Licences. To fish, residents of Ontario and Canada between the ages of 18 and 65 must have a valid Outdoors Card and fishing licence. Non-residents must have a valid fishing licence before they may fish in Ontario waters. Details on the types of licences available can be found in the summary or at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html#fish.

The 2008-2009 Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary is now available at ontario.ca/fishing. Copies can also be obtained from licence issuers and ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres.

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