Anglers must be heard on new M.N.R. fishing regs

OFAH File: 842
February 13, 2006

For Immediate Release

Anglers must be heard on new M.N.R. fishing regs

Sixty days. That is how long the Ontario Government is giving 2.5 million anglers to have their say in the largest, province-wide overhaul of provincial fishing divisions, seasons, slot sizes and limits.

The public comment period started last Thursday, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is emphatically urging all anglers (whether they’re O.F.A.H. members or not) to be heard on the proposed regulations that will come into effect January 1, 2007.

“This is perhaps the most extensive change in fishing regulations that anglers will ever face,” said O.F.A.H. Fisheries Biologist, Dave Brown, explaining that the current 37 fishing divisions will soon be amalgamated into 20 new fisheries management zones.

When the Ministry of Natural Resources recently announced its intent to “simplify” the fishing regulations summary, the O.F.A.H. insisted that anglers (the stakeholders who pay license fees and volunteer in their community to help improve our natural resources) be given sufficient opportunity to comment on the government’s impending regulation changes.

Brown said that anglers should visit the Ministry of Natural Resources’ website, or follow the links from www.ofah.org, and determine how the changes will affect conservation and recreational opportunities in their favorite fishing locations.

“It’s important that all anglers, young or old, novice or professional, tell the Ministry of Natural Resources how they feel about the proposed fishing regulations. It’s also important to share those comments with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the grassroots outdoors organization that will be making sure that the government is listening to anglers’ input and concerns,” added Brown.

For more information visit www.ofah.org.

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