ONTARIO CHAPTER

NEWS

JANUARY 2011 - WIPER CAUGHT IN LAKE ONTARIO

While fishing in Lake Ontario off the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) this past mid-January, Oakville angler Tim Rourke landed a large "Wiper", a cross between a White Bass (Morone chrysops) and Striped Bass (M. saxatilis). Rourke boated a 6.8 kilogram specimen of one of the province's least-known hybrid fish on that balmy -12°C day. The warm-water discharge from the PNGS attracts a variety of species, especially in cold weather. Trout and salmon are common, but anglers can also catch bass, walleye, pike, panfish and drum.

Erling Holm, Assistant Curator of Fishes with the Department of Natural History at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), identified the catch as a "Wiper" by photograph, based on the large size, the strong striping pattern with broken lines, and the deep body.  Wipers also usually have two patches of teeth at the back of the tongue that are adjacent to each other, which Rourke's fish has. White bass have one patch and striped bass have two patches that are separated. Holm added that "This is the third wiper that I know of that came from Lake Ontario around Pickering. One smaller fish was caught in 2005 and a second fish, as large or larger than Rourke's, was caught by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority in 2008 during routine monitoring. Also, Fisheries and Oceans Canada caught two wipers in Hamilton Harbour in 2009. And who knows how many have been caught and not reported."

The origin of the "Wipers" is a mystery.  Because Striped Bass are not native, nor known from Ontario waters, natural hybridization is unlikely. Perhaps they originate from fish markets, or it might also be possible that someone is intentionally stocking them from another aquaculture source. It is, however, illegal to transport live angler·caught fish overland (other than baitfish) and also unlawful to release fish into any waterbody other than the one from which it was caught (this includes baitfish), cautions Mark Robbins provincial enforcement specialist with the Ministry of Natural Resources. There are no current regulations specific to white bass or striped bass (or their hybrids) for Lake Ontario Fisheries Management Zone 20, but all general angling rules apply.

Despite its large size, Rourke's 6.8 kilogram fish is not an Ontario record. The current provincial Wiper record is 9.6 kilograms, caught on May 14, 2006, in the Detroit River near Windsor. (Original article published in Ontario OUT OF DOORS Volume 43, Issue 3, April 2011; written by Ray Blades, Associate Editor)

AUGUST 2010 - WORLD RECORD RAINBOW DARTER CAPTURED IN THE TALBOT RIVER

When most people brag about a big fish they’ve caught, they hold their arms out wide to show just how huge their catch was. Brent Shirley caught a big fish, too – a world record breaker. But his fish would fit easily in the palm of his hand. Shirley made his record-breaking catch when he was doing fisheries monitoring work in August on the Talbot River, a tributary to Lake Simcoe. 

Brent works as a Fish and Wildlife Technician for the Ministry of Natural Resources. He and his team of summer students were electrofishing the main channel of the river near Beaverton. In the catch, Shirley noticed one larger-than-usual fish. “Right away I thought we had one very oversized darter on our hands, and the excitement among cast and crew that day was something we won’t forget anytime soon”, he recalls. “We carefully laid the fish on our tape measure and saw that it was almost eight centimetres, or about 3¼ inches long.” Shirley took several photos of his prize catch, and then continued his sampling work for the rest of the day.

Shirley and other Ministry staff monitor fish and the health of lakes and rivers across the province to understand trends and maintain healthy fish stocks. The data collected helps the Ministry make decisions about regulating fishing. “When I returned to the office, I couldn’t wait to begin the verification process”, he said. “I contacted the guru of fish identification in Ontario.” That guru is Erling Holm of the Royal Ontario Museum’s Department of Natural History. Holm confirmed that the specimen was a Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum); and a record-setter. The previous Ontario record was 7.1 centimetres in total length. The world record was 7.7 cm TL.

Shirley is now a world record holder with his 7.9-centimetre Rainbow Darter. “There’s nothing quite like catching a big fish”, says Shirley, a passionate angler in his free time. He admits he wouldn’t mind catching a really big fish. “My ultimate goal is to someday catch a record fish like a Lake Trout, whitefish, bass or muskie.” Rainbow Darters are members of the Perch family and they’re found in Canada and the United States. Usually five to seven centimetres long, they are considered an excellent “indicator species” because they have high standards for water quality and habitat. When asked if he would bring his prize catch to the local taxidermist for posterity, Shirley replied, “Heck no; like any trophy fish, I decided to release this one back from where it came.” (written by Wil Wegman, OMNR)

26 JUNE 2010 - NILE TILAPIA CAPTURED IN THE GRAND RIVER

Chris Bunt of Biotactic Fish & Wildlife Research recently captured what appears to be a Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), an exotic African fish, in a fish ladder on the Grand River near Hidden Valley. It’s believed to be the first record of the species in Canada and raises the possibility the invasive fish could threaten native species. The fish has been sent to Fisheries and Oceans for testing to determine whether the 28 cm fish had been in the Grand for only a few weeks or much longer.

Tilapia multiply quickly and are omnivorous. They are capable of consuming enough aquatic vegetation to significantly harm habitats for native species if they became established.  However, tilapia are warmwater fish, unable to tolerate temperatures less than 8 °C, so they would be unlikely to survive through the winter.

Bunt suspects the tilapia was released into the river either by a aquarium hobbyist who no longer wanted it, or someone who bought it to eat, then didn’t have the heart to kill it. Bunt said the possibility of surviving overwinter isn’t completely impossible because groundwater and/or water treatment plant discharges can create plumes of warmer water where tilapia could seek refuge. Either way, he said the discovery should be a reminder never to release live fish into the wild. (View the complete original article published in The Waterloo Region Record June 26, 2010; written by Brian Caldwell, Record staff).

25 JUNE 2010 - AFS RESPONSE TO B.P. OIL SPILL

AFS President Don Jackson has been working closely with the other AFS officers and the AFS executive director to develop a plan for responding to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It has been sent to federal agencies. The plan (American Fisheries Society Oil Spill Initiative), in conjunction with the “President’s Hook” in the July issue of Fisheries, gives a framework for discussions with members of your respective subunits regarding the AFS response to the spill.

01 APRIL 2010 - MNR RESPONDS TO AFS-OC CONCERNS REGARDING ASIAN CARP

The Minister of Natural Resources has responded to Ontario Chapter concerns regarding the potential for Asian Carp to invade the Great Lakes Basin via the Chicago Shipping Canal. See the Minister's Response.

16 MARCH 2010 - DFO RESPONDS TO AFS-OC CONCERNS REGARDING ASIAN CARP

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has responded to Ontario Chapter concerns regarding the potential for Asian Carp to invade the Great Lakes Basin via the Chicago Shipping Canal. See the Minister's Response.

01 MARCH 2010 - MNR BIOLOGIST INDUCTED INTO MUSKIES CANADA HALL OF FAME

At the 2010 Muskies Canada Board of Directors annual meeting, six individuals, including MNR senior fisheries biologist Steven Kerr, were inducted into the Hall of Fame. With the exception of Steve, all were prominent, long standing members of Muskies Canada.

Muskies Canada Hall of Fame Award is the club’s most prestigious award bestowed to individual members who have outstanding dedication in: science, media and club development and promotion. These members receiving this award are nominated and voted in by their peers.

Muskies Canada Hall of Fame was created on the club’s 20th anniversary in 1998. The first five members to be inducted were Dr. Ed Crossman, Hedrik Wachelka, Bruce Park, Paul Gasbarino, and John Power. The second set of inductees took place in 2003 on the 25th anniversary of Muskies Canada. The inductees included Dr. John Casselman, Burt Myers, Ian Smith, Mark Sauder, and Jim Kelly.

Steve has been working cooperatively with Muskies Canada for over twenty-five years. Some of these projects have included: • Organized the “Managing Muskies in the 90s” workshop in 1995 and publishing workshop proceedings • Chaired a government-NGO task team to develop standards and benchmarks for provincial size limit regulations for muskellunge. • Solicited financial support for the “Know the Difference” sign campaign. • Supported the thirty year volunteer angler diary program by providing angler logs, collating information and publishing results. • Coordinated an MNR display at Musky Odyssey events which are held every two years. • Served as MNR liason with MCI on projects including the restoration of muskellunge in Lake Simcoe and the Spanish River, muskellunge radio telemetry on the Rideau River, and guidelines for proper handling of large muskellunge. • Written several articles on muskellunge management in Ontario which were published in the MCI’s Release Journal and Muskies Inc. magazine.

18 FEBRUARY 2010 - AFS-OC VOICES CONCERNS REGARDING ASIAN CARP

The Ontario Chapter of the American Fisheries Society has sent letters to the Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Commander of US Army Corp of Engineers, voicing our concern regarding the potential for Asian Carp to invade the Great Lakes Basin via the Chicago Shipping Canal.

02 FEBRUARY 2010 - CHAIN PICKEREL EXPANDING INTO ONTARIO

The native range of this southern cousin of the Northern Pike is expanding into Ontario. On September 16, 2009, a MNR field crew identified a Chain Pickerel (Esox niger) captured during routine gill-netting operations in the Thousand Islands area of the upper St. Lawrence River. The fish was 58 cm long and weighed approximately 1.4 kg. This was the second documented occurrence of Chain Pickerel in this area in the last year and a half. A commercial fisherman turned in the first in April 2008. These two specimens represent possibly the first documented Chain Pickerel in the province. Elsewhere in Canada, the species occurs only in Nova Scotia (introduced from the United States), western New Brunswick, and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, south of the St. Lawrence River. The appearance of Chain Pickerel in the eastern Lake Ontario/upper St. Lawrence region might signal a northwest expansion of the species' native range. Potentially, climate warming in this region of southern Ontario would favour persistence of such a range expansion. The Chain Pickerel is a member of the Pike (Esocidae) family and superficially resembles a Northern Pike. It can be identified by prominent chain-like markings on its head and sides, and some individuals have a prominent subocular bar or vertical stripe under the eye. The MNR is interested in hearing if anglers catch these fish in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. These fish are currently not abundant in Ontario, but if a range expansion is underway, the ministry is interested to see how it progresses. A photograph to help confirm identification would be ideal, as well as information on the location of capture and the size of the fish. Anglers can report their catch by calling the Glenora Fisheries Station at 613-476-2400. The Chain Pickerel is a desired sport fish in parts of its native range. For more info, go to http://www.gov.ns.ca/Fish/sportfishing/species/chain.shtml or search "Chain Pickerel" on the Ontario Freshwater Fishes Life History Database. (Original article published in Ontario OUT OF DOORS Volume 41, Issue 10, Winter 2009/2010; written by Jim Hoyle, Assessment Biologist with the MNR's Lake Ontario Management Unit).

21 APRIL 2009 - CAPITALIZATION OF COMMON FISH NAMES

The American Fisheries Society and American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Joint Names Committee (the governing committee in North America that determines the scientific and common names of fishes), has decided that the first letter in each word in the common names of fishes will now be capitalized. The decision to capitalize common names was made to better facilitate communication, particularly to a lay audience. For example, clarifying adjectives vs. common names. In the sentence, “I caught a spotted gar.”, is it referring to one of many species of gar with spots, or a Lepisosteus oculatus (Spotted Gar)? This decision has been accepted by the AFS Executive and will be reflected in the upcoming seventh edition of Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, AFS Special Publication to be published in 2011. The Committee recommends that the use of capitalization be adopted now. In addition to substantial taxonomic changes (premature to make public prior to publication of special publication), other significant changes include the addition of French common names for all fishes that occur in Canadian fresh and marine waters, and identification of those species that occur in Arctic waters.

23 JANUARY 2009 - SPOTTED GAR FOUND IN EAST LAKE

It has recently been confirmed that “an unusual fish” caught by commercial fisherman David Baverstock in the Fairfields Cove (Cove Beach) area of East Lake (Lake Ontario, Bay of Quinte area) in 2008, was a Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). This species is designated as "Threatened" by both the Federal and Provincial Species at Risk lists. Mr. Baverstock, whose family have held commercial fishing rights since 1898, had the foresight to take the fish to the Glenora Fisheries Station where it was photographed, and a tissue sample taken. Subsequently the fish was returned to East Lake.

As a follow-up to this reported catch, A PhD student from the University of Windsor, under the supervision of a research scientist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Burlington, carried out extensive sampling over a two-week period in late spring 2008 and will return this spring to look for more Spotted Gar. The DNA testing was recently carried out as part of the student’s research with the tissue sample taken at Glenora. Visually, the specimen caught by Mr. Baverstock appeared to have the key character (transparent scales on the throat area) that separates Spotted Gar from Florida Gar (known to be introduced into Canada), however only a DNA test was able to tell for sure.

The Spotted Gar is a stream-lined predator, with a long, cylindrical body and a beak-like mouth packed with sharp teeth for grabbing small fish such as minnows and yellow perch. The upperparts of the fish are olive brown and the underparts are grey. This species of gar has distinctive spotting on its head, body and fins. They can grow to over one metre long. The Spotted Gar usually lives in quiet clear pools and backwaters of creeks and rivers and lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation. In spring, adults move to shallow, heavily vegetated waters to breed, and have an air bladder to breathe out of water, or in oxygen depleted water.

The Spotted Gar is a southern species, which ranges from the Gulf of Mexico and northern Florida west to New Mexico, and north to the lower Great Lakes. In Ontario, it is found at three sites in Lake Erie. There is so far one record from the Bay of Quinte in Lake Ontario, and historical records from the Thames and Sydenham Rivers.

It is likely that the Spotted Gar was never common in Ontario, since this is the northern limit of the species' range. Pollution and destruction of the shallow, weedy bays, which the Spotted Gar needs for breeding would threaten this species in Ontario.  The species is afforded protection  under Ontario's new Endangered Species Act, 2007, as well as the Federal Species at Risk Act, 2002 and has the general protection given by habitat sections of the Fisheries Act.

14 NOVEMBER 2008 - EELS ON WHEELS

An article entitled "Eels on Wheels" in the December 2008 issue of the Walrus, a Canadian general-interest magazine with an international outlook, features MNR biologists and their work, concerns and research surrounding declining American eel populations.  View the full article online.

23 APRIL 2008 - SCIENCE STUDENT WINS INAUGURAL GRADUATE STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD

University of Toronto Mississauga graduate student (and AFS-OC member) Michael Rennie is an ambassador for science with a particular knack for inspiring young people.

“Science is one of those subjects where, particularly in elementary school, it can be hard to engage students because there are a lot of stereotypes–that it’s boring and difficult. But, science is a discovery, and it’s exciting, no matter what age you are,” says Rennie, who is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Rennie’s passion motivated him to establish a U of T Mississauga chapter of the Let’s Talk Science partnership program, a national science literary organization that develops educational programs and brings scientists to classrooms. In recognition of his efforts, Rennie received the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award and the Principal’s Student Involvement Award in April at the U of T Mississauga’s 2008 Student Award Reception. At the ceremony, Rennie also won the inaugural Graduate Student Leadership Award for his involvement with the campus’ graduate students’ union.  Read the Full Article.

01 MARCH 2008 - MUSKIE HATCHERY STIRS INTEREST IN AQUACULTURE AT FLEMING COLLEGE

No one thought that in its first year of production, a tiny 6-tank muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) research facility would produce more than 200 fall fingerlings for reintroduction into Lake Simcoe, located in southern Ontario. The research facility, which was converted from a college classroom into a hatchery, is located at Sir Sandford Fleming College (SSFC) in Lindsay, Ontario. It is part of a collaborative effort aimed at restoring muskellunge populations for the Lake Simcoe Muskellunge Restoration Project and for restoration efforts in the Green Bay, Wisconsin. Among a host of partners, the main organizations involved are Muskies Canada Incorporated, an organization dedicated to muskellunge sports fishing and research, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR).

The muskellunge rearing program has been guided by fish and wildlife program coordinator Al Chamberlain and supervised by fisheries technician and instructor Sasha Fernando. The facility is staffed with student workers and committed student volunteers. The program is based on rearing methods and culture techniques pioneered by Chamberlain as part of successful muskellunge restoration efforts in Spanish River, Ontario. Read the Full Article published in the February 2008 issue of Fisheries.

06 DECEMBER 2007 - ONTARIO’S NEW FISHING REGULATIONS IN PLACE FOR JANUARY 2008-2009

The 2008-2009 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary is now available, Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield announced today. “A number of changes to Ontario’s fishing regulations come into effect on January 1, 2008, and these are outlined in the new summary,” said Cansfield. “The new regulations are easier to understand, provide a more consistent approach to managing fisheries, and help ensure the health and sustainability of the province’s fish populations.”

The regulation changes are part of the ministry’s new ecological framework for recreational fisheries management in Ontario. This includes managing fisheries on a zone basis rather than on an individual lake basis, reducing the number of fishing zones to 20 from 37 divisions and establishing zone councils to enhance public involvement. As part of the framework, the ministry is planning to implement a new broadscale fisheries monitoring program that will provide additional information for future management decisions.

For further information see the the News Release. The 2008-2009 Fishing Regulations Summary featuring new Fisheries Management Zones can be viewed at the Fish Ontario website.

29 NOVEMBER 2007 - ATLANTIC SALMON FOUND IN LAKE ONTARIO STREAM

A migrating Atlantic salmon recently found in the Credit River is an encouraging sign for the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. Volunteers from Metro East Anglers and staff of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters identified the 2.28 kg female below the dam in Streetsville as she made her way upstream to spawn. The 60.9 cm fish was carefully transported upstream, where she was released into prime spawning habitat. Atlantic salmon thrive in areas of cold, clear, fast-flowing water.

This fish was stocked as a fingerling under the Ministry of Natural Resources’ successful research program that led to the full-scale restoration effort now under way. Atlantic salmon are an important part of the natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Ontario basin, and their presence reflects improvements in the health of our watersheds. The Credit River is one of three streams chosen for restoration of this native species.

For further information see the the News Release and Backgrounder.

29 NOVEMBER 2007 - NEW FISHERIES ACT TABLED IN PARLIAMENT

On Thursday November 29, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, introduced in Parliament a new Bill to modernize the 139-year-old Fisheries Act.

Bill C-32 aims to provide a more predictable, stable and transparent fisheries and fish habitat management system where fish harvesters, and others with an interest in the fisheries, can share in the management of this important public resource.

Last December, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45, a bill to modernize the Fisheries Act. With the prorogation of Parliament on September 14, 2007, Bill C-45 died on the Order Paper.

The Government has received significant input on the bill from fish harvesters, their associations, the fish processing sector, aquaculturists, Aboriginal groups, resource industry, environmental groups and many, many others. The Government has incorporated this feedback, leading to improvements contained in the new Fisheries Modernization Bill C-32.

For further information see the News Release.

28 AUGUST 2007 - SURVEY RESULTS OF RECREATIONAL FISHING IN CANADA

The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the results of the 2005 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada. The 2005 survey was the seventh in a series, produced every five years since 1975, and is the most comprehensive assessment of recreational fishing conducted in Canada.

"This survey highlights that millions of Canadians and tourists continue to enjoy recreational fishing in Canada's oceans, rivers and lakes every year, and Canada's New Government is committed to ensuring that our future generations can also enjoy activities like recreational fishing," said Minister Hearn. "That is why we are taking action to conserve, protect and improve Canada's vast water resources, through initiatives such as our new National Water Strategy announced in Budget 2007."

The survey found that in 2005, over 3.2 million adult anglers participated in a variety of recreational fishing activities in Canada. Participation rates, however, have been on a downward trend in most provinces and territories over the past 10 years. This trend is partially attributed to changing lifestyles and other activities that compete for limited leisure time.

The survey presents information about recreational fishing activities and describes the socio-economic contribution of these fisheries in Canada. It was conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in cooperation with the fisheries and licensing agencies of all provinces and territorial governments.

For further information see the News Release. To access the survey report on-line, please visit DFO's Statistical Services web site.

22 AUGUST 2007 - VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA CASES CONFIRMED IN ONTARIO

The Government of Canada today announced that the Great Lakes strain of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia has been detected in fish from Hamilton Harbour and the Thames River in Ontario. These two findings mark the first detections of the disease in 2007 in Canada.

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is an infectious viral disease that can cause illness and death in fish, but does not affect human health. Fish were initially tested by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the University of Guelph before Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia was confirmed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

These findings fall within the Ontario ministry’s identified management zone for the disease. Therefore, no changes are planned to existing Ontario live fish movement controls implemented in early 2007. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia has been detected in the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes basin since 2005.

For further details, see the News Release. Additional information about VHS is also available from the MNR and DFO.

16 AUGUST 2007 - CANADA AND ONTARIO ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE AND PROTECT THE GREAT LAKES

The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Laurel Broten, Ontario's Minister of the Environment today announced the official signing of the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem.

The Canada-Ontario Agreement focuses on cleaning up 15 severely degraded ecosystems in the Great Lakes (Areas of Concern), reducing harmful pollutants, improving water quality, conserving fish and wildlife species and habitats, lessening the threat of aquatic invasive species and improving land management practices within the Great Lakes Basin.

The Canada-Ontario Agreement also contains new areas of cooperation such as protecting sources of drinking water, understanding the impacts of climate change and encouraging sustainable use of land, water and other natural resources. The Canada Ontario Agreement ensures that scientific information is available to support remediation and protection efforts and to measure their success for the benefit of the growing number of Canadians dependent upon the lakes.

For further details, see the News Release.

31 JULY 2004 - CHANGES TO ONTARIO FISH NAMES

Several changes to Ontario Fish Names have occurred according to Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Sixth Edition. For details see Fish Names.

14 JULY 2004 - LESLIE M. FROST NATURAL RESOURCES CENTRE'S OPERATIONS BY MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES CLOSED

The Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources Centre's operations by the Ministry of Natural Resources are closed as of Wednesday July 14, 2004. Programming and/or bookings are no longer offered at the facility. Many organizations including the Ontario Chapter are disappointed by the decision.

For further details, see the Ontario Chapter Response and the Minister's Reply.

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Last update:  20 May, 2011