Don't tread on me: conservation is everyone's concern |
By JEFF MORRISONSun Media
With a virtual cornucopia of Canadians reaping the benefits of our renewable natural resources this week, fish and wildlife conservation is of utmost importance.
Fish and wildlife conservation can be best defined as the wise use, management and harvest of our renewable natural resources, in order to benefit the most people for the longest period of time. The principle behind "wise use and harvest" of fish and game can at times prove difficult, and even controversial. Especially during National Fishing Week, we must give some thought to the effect our actions have on our natural resources. Armed with a few simple fishing, camping and sporting tips, we may all enjoy a great time in the great outdoors, while leaving almost no net negative impact on the environment.
LOW IMPACT ANGLING
During your outdoor adventures this week, try to think low impact, and I'm not speaking
of aerobics. As responsible outdoor enthusiasts, it our duty to leave our environment the way we found it, a task easily achieved should we keep in mind a few simple tips during our travels this week.
LIMIT YOUR CATCH
The provincial rules and regulations governing fish and wildlife are more than merely just suggestions; they are established for a reason. Bag limits are set through biological research; they are enforced by law, and controlled by conservation officers. Should you, for example, be permitted a daily limit of six walleye on the lake you fish, it does not mean that you must catch and keep six fish before leaving. Limiting your catch means that if you do not need all six fish for eating, keep just two or three smaller ones. Some provinces in Canada also have Conservation limit licences available, which carry a lower fish possession limit, at a lower cost, and are a great idea for those who do not plan to keep many fish. Catch your limit, but limit your catch.
CAMPING REMINDERS
While camping in the great outdoors this week, do not litter or modify you camping area in any way. Bring your own firewood from home, use only phosphate-free soaps and never dump camp fuels around your camp site. Camping etiquette also includes consideration for your neighbours by limiting the noise after dark, as campers are generally the early to bed, early to rise type. Make sure your campsite is thoroughly cleaned up before you leave.
CATCH AND RELEASE
For the average freshwater fisherman, the heart and soul of fisheries management rests on the ability to practice catch and release. Since half the fun of angling is in the catching, everyone should know how to properly release the fish they do not intend to keep. Proper release techniques are, however, as delicate as the fish themselves. For spiny-rayed fish such as walleye, bass and pike, the ability to catch, unhook and release the fish unharmed is, in fact, quite easy. For the more sensitive soft-rayed members of the Order Salmonidae, such as salmon and trout, a safe release can be very difficult.
RELEASE TECHNIQUES
For spiny-rayed fish, a good pair of work gloves and a hook-out tool are essential, and should the hook's barb be buried too deeply for removal, it is safer to cut the hook off and let it rust away. Always handle your fish carefully by the gill-plate, try not to hold larger fish vertically and never touch any part of the gills or remove the fish's protective slime-layer. Hold your catch horizontally in the water until it has regained composure. A non-nylon net or fish-cradle can help control the large ones. For releasing the more delicate salmon and trout, do your best not to touch them at all. Use a long-nosed hook-out tool to remove the hook without even bringing this specimen on board. Remember to be quick and efficient when releasing fish, and take the time to make sure they have fully recovered before you move on. An improperly released fish might as well be kept, as it will likely not survive anyway.
