| WEEK OF MAY 17, 1998 ----------------------> |
| Evanston stops selling daily launch permits |
| The Evanston City Council will no longer sell daily launch permits. So for the 3rd and 4th of July (the 3rd for Chicago fireworks, the 4th for Evanston), the lakefront air show in mid July, and Venetian Night, only season permit holders will be able to launch from the Church Street boat ramp in Evanston. | This will cause much confusion and probably a few short tempers for those boaters who, for many years, have been able to view the festivities while using Evanston's ramps. A season launch permit has been increased to $450 for nonresidents, and $250 for residents of Evanston. (Courtesy, Marv Schwartz, President Evanston Boat Ramp Assoc.) |
|
OMNR
gets tough on fishing violators
|
| Anglers thinking
of over-fishing will want to think again. Sentences handed out in a Barrie
Provincial Court for violations under the Fish and Game Act were some of
the stiffest ever, according to Minister of Natural Resources information
officer Ed Paleczny.
Two Bracebridge men received fines of
$2500 each on two charges: exceeding the catch of two lake whitefish per
day and keeping more fish than the
Paleczny said the two were ice fishing on Lake Couchiching when conservation officers, utilizing the ministry's canine unit, discovered the men had caught and kept 13 Lake Whitefish. The judge also ordered a one year suspension of the men's fishing licenses and the forfeiting of the 13 fish, an ice hut, a fish finder and various gear. |
Another case
involved a Maple man who was fined for the same violations under the fish
and game act when he was caught over fishing on Lake Simcoe near Innisfil
Township. He received a $2,000 fine, a one-year suspension of his fishing
license and forfeited his catch and fishing equipment.
And two fishermen from Weston and Mississauga
received $500 fines each on the two charges of exceeding catch and possession
limits while fishing on Lake Simcoe. In addition to the one-year license
suspensions and forfeited
Concerned anglers in Canada can call the Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS to report wildlife crimes. (Courtesy: Ontario Sportfishing Guides) |
| Exotic Fish ID Cards Available for Anglers |
| U. of
Minn.. Sea Grant has reprinted two popular wallet-sized cards to aid anglers
in identifying two exotic fish found in the Great Lakes, the round goby
and the Eurasian ruffe. These free cards describe why these fish are considered
a problem, how to identify them, and what anglers should do if they find
them. The water-resistant cards are small enough to fit in a tackle box,
wallet, or pocket.
"We designed these cards especially for anglers because they are often the first to find exotic fish," said Doug Jensen, Sea Grant Information Coordinator. "Wild baitfish harvesters, researchers and fishery managers should also be on the look-out." Anyone who catches a round goby or a ruffe is urged not to throw it back alive. They should kill the fish by freezing and, if they are in a location of concern indicated on the card, contact Sea Grant, a state or provincial resource mgmt. agency, or the USFWS. |
Customized cards
were printed for OH, NY, Ill, IN, MI, MN, WI, Vermont (Lake Champlain)
and Ontario. Because regulations vary, each contains a different message
on possession or transport of these exotics. Cards will be distributed
through bait shops, marinas, public events, associations, environmental
education organizations, and DNR offices.
Single cards are free. Individuals or
organizations wanting cards contact their state Sea Grant office, or DNR
agency. For more info contact :
Doug Jensen
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| The Canadian
Federal Government has increased its support for sea lamprey control in
the Great Lakes for 1998-99 to $6 million (Canadian). This is an increase
of $900,000 from last year. With the increase in funds from Canada and
funds provided by the State of Michigan to supplement the effort, effective
control can begin on St. Marys River. Control on this system is expected
to reduce lamprey populations in Lake Huron and northern Lake Michigan
by 85 percent.
Fewer lamprey means more quality fish and fishing for years to come |
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| The US Coast
Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) is interested in hearing from users of
the DGPS concerning any and all discrepancies or problems
encountered with the system. The NAVCEN cannot correct what they don't know. Please report all discrepancies. SUMMER 1998 DGPS SITE MAINTENANCE
|
In most areas
of the Great Lakes,
DGPS coverage overlap should limit the negative impact of these necessary maintenance and equipment upgrades. Site Dates:
Downtime will commence at 0730 on respective date for 48 hours. |
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| The public has
until June 20, 1998, to comment on the USFWS's proposal to create the Grand
Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in the Kankakee River watershed
in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois.
Available for comment is the Service's
draft environmental assessment , which outlines possibilities for establishing
a 30,000-acre refuge in the
|
The document
provides information on impacts and benefits of such a refuge, as well
as an economic analysis of the proposed refuge.
Comments may be submitted to: USFWS, Ascertainment and Planning
For more information, contact the
|
 USFWS
Press Releases
Gene Bucks Fisheries SummariesSea
Grant News |
