The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), in co-operation with the Bay of Quinte Fisheries Advisory Committee, prepared a fisheries management plan (FMP) for the Bay of Quinte. The FMP itself is a resource document to guide management and provide direction for restoration of fisheries and aquatic resources in the Bay of Quinte for the 2008 to 2013 time period. During the preparation of the FMP, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, the public and stakeholders (including anglers, commercial fishers, and environmental groups) were all invited to provide input on issues and comment on the recommended direction and strategies. This is the first FMP that has been developed for this body of water.

The planning area focuses on the Bay of Quinte, from the Murray Canal to the end of Adolphus Reach at Pleasant Point, and recognizes the connectivity to Quinte-area tributaries (local rivers and streams) and the eastern portion of Lake Ontario. This recognition ensures that fisheries management occurs at an ecosystem level.

The Bay of Quinte supports important recreational, commercial, and First Nations fisheries. The recreational fishery focuses mainly on walleye and historically the bay’s fishery was considered to be world class. However, dramatic changes in the Bay of Quinte ecosystem, particularly following zebra mussel invasion, have caused declines in walleye populations and the fishery. The fishery and walleye population has since stabilized at lower levels. These same ecosystem changes have favoured populations of other fish species that associate with increase aquatic plant growth in the bay. Other species anglers target include bass and northern pike.

The Bay of Quinte also supports a locally important commercial fishery. Important commercial species currently harvested from the Bay of Quinte include yellow perch, brown bullhead, sunfish species (Lepomis sp.), black crappie, rock bass, white perch, freshwater drum, lake whitefish, and walleye.

The Bay of Quinte, like most places in the lower Great Lakes, has undergone dramatic changes in water clarity with the reduction of human inputs of phosphorus and the invasion of zebra mussel species. Habitat loss and continued fishing pressure also put pressure on this valuable resource. These changes necessitate the development of a comprehensive FMP. The objectives of the FMP are:

• to protect and enhance the biological integrity of the aquatic ecosystem; 
• to promote the sustainable utilization of fisheries resources; 
• to develop a greater knowledge of fish populations, fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems; 
• to describe the existing conditions of the fish community to establish a benchmark of ecosystem health; 
• to provide a framework for fisheries management; 
• to rehabilitate degraded fish communities and fish habitat, for self-sustaining, native stocks; 
• to promote public awareness, appreciation and understanding of fisheries resources and the aquatic habitats on which they depend; and 
• to involve organized angling associations, environmental interest groups and the general public in fisheries management activities.

The plan provides information on the status of the aquatic community, designates target species for management, and provides management direction including: species management (including species at risk, introduced species, and stocking), consumptive uses (including angling, enforcement and regulations, baitfish harvest), public access, education, and other issues.

It is anticipated that this information will be used by the public, the private sector, municipalities, and government agencies to help guide future management of fisheries and aquatic resources and result in a rich and diverse fish community that will be capable of sustaining a variety of fishing activities.

To prepare a fisheries management plan that will provide management direction and tactics to protect, rehabilitate, and sustain aquatic ecosystems and fish populations in the Bay of Quinte for the 2008 to 2013 time period.

The following is a link to the draft plan http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/251958.pdf (Executive summary is available in French http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/252307.pdf)

This proposal was posted for a 47 day public review and comment period starting October 01, 2008. Comments were to be received by November 17, 2008.

All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.

The Bay of Quinte Advisory Committee led the development of the FMP and includes members of the public, representing municipalities, First Nations, recreational fishing, and commercial fishing. Additional public input was obtained from four main sources: a public input survey, four public open houses, booths at the Spring Fishing Show and Toronto Sportsmen’s Show in 2006, and by personal contact via email or telephone.

Marc Desjardins
Management Biologist
Ministry of Natural Resources
Natural Resource Management Division
Great Lakes Branch
Lake Ontario Management Unit
41 Hatchery Lane
R.R.#4
Picton Ontario
K0K 2T0
Phone: (613) 476-3287
Fax: (613) 476-7131