Minister gives green light to spring Rainbow trout run

OFAH FILE: 842
March 29, 2007

For Immediate Release

Minister gives green light to spring Rainbow trout run

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) congratulates Minister David Ramsay and the Ministry of Natural Resources for agreeing that this spring’s fish migrations will occur as they did last year and for decades before that, and that issues surrounding VHS, a disease that affects some fish, will continue to be monitored closely.

“Interim direction to M.N.R. staff late last week muddied the waters, and we appreciate receiving clarification of the Ministry’s intentions,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “Our neighbours in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan are already operating the same as we are here, meaning fish passage as per normal.”

 Download MNR Fish Culture Technical Bulletin for Best Management Practice in Hatcheries (105 KB)

The O.F.A.H. also agrees with the M.N.R. that for all of those involved in rainbow hatchery activities, successful fish health activities, such as egg disinfections, will be in place.

“We are also pleased that the bait fish industry will receive some much needed relief under this decision. Specifically, we understand that harvest and use of live bait fish within VHS positive waters will be permitted, which is another informed and common sense decision by the Minister,” said Reader.

Download the Protocol for the Control of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) (25 KB)

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