FISHERMEN
SEEK PROTECTION FOR PERCH
BROCKVILLE _ A petition bearing
more than 530 names calling for restrictions to
stop the overfishing of perch along the St. Lawrence
River will be presented to Natural Resources Minister
Jerry Ouellette by Bob Runciman, MPP for Leeds-Grenville.
A number of fishermen have expressed
concerns that perch are being harvested in many
parts of the river and the population and size
of catch are dwindling. They have suggested the
ministry take steps to curtail the assault on
perch, a fish that does not have a restricted
season nor catch limits.
Runciman said perch are a popular
catch for sports anglers because they make a tasty
meal. But he agrees with local fishermen that
the time has come to offer the fish some protection
or they will disappear from the river.
Frank LaFlair of Brockville organized
the petition and within a short period time collected
534 names.
“What is being suggested by
sports fishermen is not radical,” said Runciman.
“They feel a daily limit of 50 perch per
day-per person would be a great help. Another
option is to close down perch fishing for six
weeks, from April 1 to May 10 to assist the spawning
process.”
Runciman says he is asking the Ministry
of Natural Resources to review the concerns presented
in the petition and to implement a program that
will guarantee the survival of perch for future
generations.
|
