Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says he supports the MNRF's approach to ending illegal gill-netting in Lake Nipissing.
Fedeli spoke in the Ontario Legislature today.
See it here: http://youtu.be/mSXuB-HLn9o
Here is the text of his remarks:
Speaker, over recent weeks, several abandoned gill nets, filled with dead fish, have been discovered in Lake Nipissing in my riding. There is great concern among all stakeholders about the impact this will have on the walleye fishery which is already under great pressure.
This situation has prompted unprecedented cooperation by Lake Nipissing stakeholders and partners in an effort to put a halt to this. The North Bay District Chamber of Commerce has been very vocal and has been a leader in bringing stakeholders together to find a solution.
Partners such as the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Lake Nipissing Stakeholders Association, Nipissing First Nation, Bob Goulais, who is offering a $1,000 reward, North Bay Mayor Al McDonald and Callander Mayor Hec Lavigne, BAYSAR, who are offering aerial surveillance to look for abandoned gill nets, are working together with a real spirit of cooperation. In fact Nipissing First Nation just hosted and funded their 3rd annual Lake Nipissing Summit, engaging the community and all partners.
I support the proactive approach by the MNR to find a solution to this problem, and encourage the Ministry to continue working in this manner with the stakeholders, as many of their livelihoods are dependent on a viable, sustainable fishery.
