2018-Apr-18
Fisheries
Learn More About
- Aquaculture
- Invasive Species
- Native Fisheries
Transport Canada has taken the next step in modernizing the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR). Following a public consultation in Fall 2023 and the release of their What We Heard report in July 2024, proposed changes to the VORR have been pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on September 14, 2024. This is the last opportunity to comment before the proposed changes become law when published in Canada Gazette, Part ll. The comment period is open until November 28, 2024. Objectives of the proposed changes VORR modernization the overall objective of the proposed Regulations and accompanying program changes is to reduce the time required to implement vessel operation restrictions on local waterways. Incorporation by reference the objective of incor
After a recent consultation, Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks (MECP) expanded the boundaries of 27 parks to add a little more protected land towards Ontario’s and Canada’s 2030 targets. Although this is a move in the right direction, GBA noted two issues. - Firstly, before these additions, less than 11% of land in Ontario was protected—the target is 30% by 2030—and this extra land is not going to significantly move the needle. Unless major action is taken to protect large amounts of Ontario land, there is little prospect of meeting this target. - Furthermore, MECP did not include an addition to the Massasauga Park along the Moon River, which was requested by the Woods Bay Community Association in 2016 to protect the banks of the river from irrespons
Lake Michigan-Huron is now three inches below its level at this time last year. The water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie, and Ontario are down 2, 5, 6, 5, and 6 inches, respectively, from a month ago. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie, and Ontario are lower by 7, 3, 3, 4, and 3 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 1, 9, 9, and 1 inch, respectively, above their long-term September average, and Lakes Superior is 4 inches below. All the lakes remain well below their September record highs. In a month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are expected to fall by 1, 3, 6, 5, and 6 inches, respectively. Outfl
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 4 inches below its level at this time last year. - From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario & are down 2, 5, 6, 5 & 4 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 9, 4, 4, 5 & 4 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are 1, 9, 9 & 2 inches, respectively, above their long-term September average, and Lakes Superior is 5 inches below. All the lakes remain well below their September record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are expected to fall by 1, 3, 5, 5 & 6 inches, respect
In their continuing efforts to improve boating safety, Transport Canada (TC) has launched a Let's Talk consultation to get your views on mandatory lifejacket or PFD (personal flotation device) wear for recreational boaters. This consultation, which is now open, is the first step towards potential federal legislation. To inform this process, TC has developed a survey with criteria based on recent research, focusing on three key categories: Age requirements Vessel length Vessel type The main goal of any legislation would be to reduce boating fatalities and TC have specified that mandatory wear requirements would only apply while a vessel is in motion, ensuring that other activities like fishing and swimming while anchoring are not impacted. Why is this on the radar?
The Invasive Species Centre has confirmed the presence of Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Ontario, marking the first-ever detection of this highly invasive aquatic plant in Canada. Hydrilla is a submerged aquatic plant that can grow up to 3 meters long and form dense mats on the water's surface. Native to Asia, it has been introduced to other parts of the world through human activity. Hydrilla poses a similar threat to the ecosystem as Phragmites with its rapid growth, ability to overtake and replace native vegetation and destroy wetlands. - It appears that eradication of this Hillman Marsh Hydrilla patch may be possible, with sufficient federal and Ontario government funding and support, but has it already spread elsewhere? - Read the Hydril
Lake Michigan-Huron remains at 2 inches below its level at this time last year. - From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario & are down 1, 4, 5, 4 & 5 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 7, 2, 0, 3 & 6 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are 4, 13, 12 & 3 inches, respectively, above their long-term September average, and Lakes Superior is 3 inches below. All the lakes remain well below their September record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are expected to fall by 1, 3, 6, 7 & 5 inches,
It's September and that means bears are starting to prepare for winter. Most bears are focused on finding as much food as possible to prepare for winter. The quest for calories means bears are active and foraging. As the wild food sources bears rely on become more scarce. Improper food disposal, untidy garbage cans, poorly cleaned BBQ’s, and bird feeders may provide just the feast hungry bears are looking for. Whether you are closing the cottage for the season or just between stays, here are some precautions you can take: Before leaving your cottage make sure to: remove your garbage take it home or drop it off at an approved waste disposal site on your way use a strong disinfectant to eliminate all odours from garbage and recycling containers and lids never disca
- The Great Lakes are a treasured resource, providing drinking water, recreation, and economic benefits to millions of people in the United States and Canada. However, there have been a number of recent debates in the US about withdrawing Great Lakes water to address mounting water shortages in the west. This cannot be done unless the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River River Compact that prevents Great Lakes water withdrawals is overridden. Chicago seeks to eliminate any prospect of this happening, summarized in the article here, which is worth a read. -
The provincial government wants to add more clean electricity sources to Ontario’s grid, but with technologies changing so quickly, it can be hard to know which direction to go. A TVO commentary about the future of energy in Ontario raises important questions about the viability of the proposed pumped electric storage project in Meaford and the broader implications for Ontario's electricity landscape. These comments from TV Ontario are consistent with what the Independent Electricity Supply Operator (IESO) has consistently been saying about Trans Canada Energy’s proposed pumped energy storage project at Meaford. The new Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, has yet to make a decision on this proposal. - Read the TVO article here. -
Lake Michigan-Huron is now 2 inches below its level at this time last year. - From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are down 0, 3, 2, 3 & 4 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 7, 2, 6, 4 & 5 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes Michigan-Huron, St Clair, & Erie are 2, 9 & 9 inches, respectively, above their long-term August average, and Lakes Superior & Ontario are 2 & 1 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their August record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior is expected to stay at the same level, and Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontar
Last year GBA joined forces with Safe Quiet Lakes, FOCA and other concerned lake associations to form the Safe Wakes Coalition to tackle the growing issue of destructive wakes on our lakes. Large wakes from boats can cause: Shoreline erosion and damage Safety concerns for boaters and shoreline residents Habitat destruction for wildlife Turbidity and water quality concerns The coalition is working towards province-wide regulations to mitigate these impacts. To make our case, we need your input! Share your experiences and concerns about wakes on our lakes: Have you seen damage to your shoreline or dock? Have you witnessed safety issues or near-misses? Are you concerned about the impact on local wildlife? Let us know by emailing us at boating@georgianbay.ca.