THUNDER BAY -- A review into the provincial regulations for live bait has some worried there could be major changes coming in the sport fishing industry.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is in the middle of reviewing the current policies for the use of live bait in sport fishing to determine if there need to be recommendations made to further protect Ontario waters from invasive species.
Among those expressing concern is John Kaplanis, executive director of Northwestern Ontario Sportsman’s Alliance, who wants the province to keep the regulations that are currently in place.
“We’re opposed to any changes. We would like to see the status quo continue on the usage of live bait in Ontario,” Kaplanis said.
The review is examining potential changes such as limiting what kind of bait can be used as well as whether it should be banned in specific areas such as provincial parks and conservation areas.
Conservation groups have been advocating the province to adopt stricter regulations to combat baitfish from entering new waters and affecting ecosystems.
It is currently illegal to dispose of live bait in any waterway.
However anglers don’t believe targeting bait, such as minnows, used by sport fishers is the most effective way to halt invasive species.
“We don’t see that as seriously addressing any significant threat due to invasive species,” Kaplanis said of any changes.
“Nowhere in the review have we identified a threat that has been pointed out and highlighted that could be attributed to the usage of live bait.”
News of the review has sparked speculation Ontario could be looking at an outright ban on live bait, which would follow the lead of some other provinces and territories.
The live bait industry is said to contribute more than $20 million to the province’s economy annually.
Gary Turpin, owner of Rockwood Bait and Tackle, said changes to legislation could have significant impacts on bait shop owners as well as those who make a living trapping the bait that is sold.
“I would just have to shut down. I don’t see any compensation coming our way if they do decide to ban it all together,” he said.
Natural Resources Minister Bill Mauro described the review as a “risk assessment” to explore whether further safeguards need to be implemented to protect provincial waterways.
Any talk of significant legislative overhauls is premature.
“There are no changes as we stand here today,” Mauro said. “There is a group that has been reviewing and coming forward with policy options and that will happen over the next period of time.”
