Catch Limits On Northern Lake Under Review

Catch Limits On Northern Lake Under Review

Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 14:53

 

 

An official with Saskatchewan Environment says the ministry will look at whether or not catch limits can be increased on Big Peter Pond Lake.

 

But Chris Dunn cautions it will be difficult to make sizable adjustments, given the rebounding nature of the current fish stocks.

 

Dunn, who is the Manager of Fisheries for the provincial government, says the province has already talked to fishers and should make a decision before April.

 

He says Saskatchewan Environment will compare production numbers and other data to scientific models used throughout North America.

 

A long-time resident of Buffalo Narrows is calling on the provincial government to raise the catch limits on the lake.

 

Philip Chartier says local harvesters should be allowed to take in 300,000 kilograms of fish over a three-year period, provided careful monitoring takes place.

 

Chartier notes fishers in the past voluntarily took in less product when species were threatened.

 

He says now that fish stocks are back up, the government should raise the quotas.

 

However, the president of the Saskatchewan Commercial Fishers’ Federated Co-op says he doesn’t see the need to raise the limits.

 

Jonas Bird says quotas are set for a reason, and the long-term consequences of over-fishing could be devastating.

 

He adds the balance of the lake could be compromised if too many game fish — such as trout, northern pike or walleye — are taken out.