SAVING OUR COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
The Manitoba government released two more progress reports this month on the status of fish populations in our commercially fished lakes. Agriculture and Resource Development have put the pedal to the medal in trying get a handle on the five major lakes with heavy commercial pressure. The most recent stock assessments include Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis, the second and third largest commercial fisheries in the province. To better manage these fisheries, the province will launch an engagement process with the license holders to review these reports and discuss future management plans for these valuable commercial fisheries.
MAKING THE FISHERIES SUSTAINABLE THE KEY
These studies supply a much-needed baseline for implementation of sustainable fisheries, something that has been lacking in the past. Many of the indigenous commercial fishers have embraced the change, with Waterhen becoming the first Eco certified commercial walleye and pike fishery in this part of the world. Cedar Lake commercial fisheries are currently in the process of putting together their certification papers.
CSMP PROGRAM A HUGE SUCCESS
Much of this can also be attributed to the Collaborative Stock Monitoring Program. This program was initiated in 2018 as a joint effort between the federal and provincial government to involve commercial fishers in stock assessment collection. From the initial two communities/local fisher associations, the program grew each year to now include 8 communities/fisher associations in 2020. A total of 29 indigenous fishers have participated in the program over the last 3 years. Because of the rapid growth and interest in the Collaborative Stock Monitoring Program, it has attracted new sources of federal funding and is now administered by University College of the North.
Dr. Brian Kotak, who oversees the program, says the CSMP fills several needs – from data collection, training and capacity building to employment and local involvement in decision-making. Kotak says more and more commercial fishers are requesting to be included in this program.
https://mwf.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2019-Hunt-Fish-Economic-Impact-Study.pdf
We still have a long way to go but the provincial government has been making every effort to catch up in the management of these valuable resources. While there has an investment, the return is enormous on many fronts. In many cases it supplies employment in remote communities and a valuable source of income. It benefits anglers, and all related tourism operators and businesses associated with them. To understand return on investment Travel Manitoba conducted an economic impact study in 2020. Between angling and hunting combined there was a direct spending total of $1029 million.
To view the progress reports or learn more about the Lake Manitoba and the Lake Winnipegosis fisheries, visit www.manitobafisheries.com.