Fisheries crews from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will be on Ontario’s lakes this summer monitoring fish populations, taking water samples, and checking for invasive species.
And the ministry is asking for the public to help, in a way.
In a press release, MNRF requested that folks out on a lake that is being monitored this summer stay away from buoys sporting the Ontario Trillium logo, and avoid recreational activities between and around the buoys. All nets will be clearly marked.
During the lake surveys, ministry staff:
Sample fish to check for abundance, measure length, weight, age and test for the presence of contaminants
Check water temperature, clarity, and oxygen levels
Look for invasive species such as spiny waterflea and rusty crayfish.
Information gathered through these surveys will be used to help make decisions about managing fisheries, including setting seasons and size limits for anglers.
About 170 lakes will be targeted this summer across Ontario.
In the northeast, crews will conduct netting surveys and water samples in the following Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs):
FMZ 7 (near Chapleau, Hearst, Nipigon, and Wawa) – 40 lakes
FMZ 8 (near Chapleau, Cochrane, Hearst, and Timmins) – 13 lakes
FMZ 10 (near Kirkland Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury) – 14 lakes
Greater Sudbury lakes that will be surveyed include: Brodill Lake, Fairbank Lake, Manitou Lake, Onaping Lake, Prune Lake, Rose Lake, S Lake, Vermilion Lake, Wanapitei Lake, White Pine Lake, and Windy Lake.
Netting begins in the northeast on June 6.
