RUNNIN REBEL

Webinar: Resources to support the fishing industry during COVID-19 Interested in hearing more about SBA loans to support the fishing industry? What bills are in the pipeline to support small- and community-based fisheries? Join us for a webinar with SBA, the US House on Natural Resources Committee, and Castlemain Group: Amy K. Bassett, District Director, Maine District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration Lora Snyder, Staff Director, Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, House on Natural Resources Committee. Christy Whitmore, Business Development Advisor, Castlemain Group, a liaison between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative and 24 Commercial Fishery Enterprises in British Columbia When: April 8, 12:00 - 1:30 PM ET Location: Zoom video conference. Registration required: https://maine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsd-uqqzojUiMyYO9rGYfH_r-z1DojGw Focus: Understanding resources to support small- and community-based fishing businesses across country during the COVID-19 pandemic. SORRY ABOUT THE LATE NOTICE ALSO Capts should check into this and appy for this, since our charter business supplies a service, not a product. The fee/rate we collect is our weekly paycheck/payroll. The worst case scenario is the loan is not forgiven (Turned into a grant that does not have to be repaid ) and then you repay loan at a %1 interest rate. Pay down any payment you currently have to stay afloat till regular income comes back. I know a few Capt's ( if their application is accepted ) are going to have a pretty good 2020 spring charter income season WITHOUT the expenses of ever leaving the dock. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL Thanks Lucky13 for posting this also And a HUGE THANKS to Jesse M. Lepak Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist New York Sea Grant SUNY Oswego Penfield 4 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-312-3045 Email: [email protected] www.nyseagrant.org April 2020 8 Be part of the conversation, April 8, 12:00 - 1:30 PM ET. Register

Lucky13 133 Posted 8 hours ago "Is there some kind of official announcement that has escaped many of us on suspension of the trawls? I know it was announced that charter fishing is verboten yesterday, but I've seen nothing on the science end." The 2020 spring bait trawl with the US & Canadian vessels was canceled for this spring due the COVID spread concerns. . It is too bad as this is the earliest they have been ready to go. Plus some trawling vessels have new electronic data systems and faster upgrades in measuring/scales ETC. ALSO a 3 year plan between the US & Canada to do a chinook salmon fin clip ( adipose fin ) only study (no nose tags ) on all stocked kings was canceled this year 2020. Hope fully that can continue at least the next 2 years or even be extended to the full 3 year agreement again. Brightside is without having logistics of time and travel of our 1 tagging trailer to tag ALL stocked kings ( US & Canada ) the US Altmar hatchery should be able to deliver our pen reared kings earlier if needed. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

IMPORTANT SURVEY for ALL Fisheries BUSINESSES Jerry, Below is a link to a survey that will be going to the National Sea Grant Office to identify needs related to impacts of COVID-19 on aquaculture and fisheries businesses. No one is in need of more on their plate at this time, but this should provide an indication of the specific challenges that you are currently facing. The survey will not release any individual identifiers. If you or others you know would like to participate, please provide your input so it can be considered at the National level as they are navigating the availability/accessibility of relief measures. The link to the survey will be live through April 10th. Here is the link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6rsUSOKhqD7dAln The purpose of this survey is to quantify the effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on commercial aquaculture, aquaponics or allied businesses. This survey should take about 15 minutes of your time to complete. This survey will be distributed once per quarter throughout 2020, to capture the evolving effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). No personally identifiable information (name, address, e-mail, telephone number, IP address, etc.) will be collected. All data from this survey will remain anonymous. This survey is not tied to any funding or sponsor. There are no benefits or rewards for participating in this study. Results from this study may be used to communicate the effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on commercial aquaculture, aquaponics or allied businesses to State and Federal agencies, in an effort to secure relief. Results from this study may also be published in the future. Participation in this research survey is voluntary. By continuing with this survey, you are consenting to the use of your responses for research purposes. If you do not consent for your responses to be used for research purposes, please discontinue this survey by closing the browser window. This survey will close at 11:59 pm (eastern time) on April 10, 2020. If you would like a copy of the summary results, or have any questions about this study, please contact: Matthew Smith - The Ohio State University - [email protected] Jonathan van Senten - Virginia Seafood AREC - [email protected]. Thank you for your participation in this project. -- Jesse M. Lepak Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist New York Sea Grant SUNY Oswego Penfield 4 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-312-3045 Email: [email protected] www.nyseagrant.org

From Jesse M. Lepak, Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist, New York Sea Grant * SUNY Oswego "This is most relevant to NY Charter Captains:" Recent events have been challenging for many, and unfortunately this has presented obstacles for the fishing industry as well. There has been discussion of aid within the stimulus plan for fisheries and aquaculture, though the details of the distribution and process behind are not yet available. A few more details can be found here: https://www.nationalfisherman.com/national-international/stimulus-includes-300-million-for-fisheries-and-aquaculture/ As I hear more about this or other sources of relief (e.g., the US Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance), I will convey those as well. Another resource to aid in application development can be found through SUNY Stony Brook's Small Business Development Center: https://www.stonybrook.edu/sbdc/ U.S. Travel CARES Act Resource Links If you are a Self-employed individual, you may want to consider looking into the following: ● SBA Business Interruption Loans ● SBA Coronavirus Economic Injury Disaster Loans Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

There has been discussion of aid within the stimulus plan for fisheries and aquaculture, though the details of the distribution and process behind are not yet available Stimulus includes $300 million for fisheries and aquaculture By Jessica Hathaway March 26, 2020 A $300 million earmark in the Senate’s $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill passed late Wednesday, March 25, is slated for fisheries and aquaculture. It’s aimed at supporting independent operators who are not otherwise covered by agricultural disaster assistance programs. [Update: President Donald Trump signed the bill into law shortly after it passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on a voice vote, Friday, March 27. Stay tuned for more details on how these benefits will be accessible to commercial fishermen and other independent operators.] The Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (or CARES) Act late Wednesday, March 25. It returns to the House of Representatives for a vote on Thursday, March 26. The bill is designed to stimulate the economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has led to widespread shutdowns intended to slow the spread of the virus. The language in the fisheries portion of the bill stipulates that the funds are “authorized to provide assistance to Tribal, subsistence, commercial, and charter fishery participants affected by the novel coronavirus.” It specifies that this fund is designated for businesses not covered by agricultural relief programs defined by part 1416 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. “Tribes, persons, fishing communities, aquaculture businesses not otherwise eligible for assistance under part 1416 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations for losses related to COVID–19, processors, or other fishery-related businesses, who have incurred, as a direct or indirect result of the coronavirus pandemic — economic revenue losses greater than 35 percent as compared to the prior 5-year average revenue.” Funds may be awarded on a rolling basis “and within a fishing season to ensure rapid delivery of funds,” which will remain available until Sept. 30, 2021. At press time, the agency that will oversee applications for relief funds under the Commerce Department is to be determined. The National Coalition for Fishing Communities made a statement thanking the industry for uniting in requesting help from federal legislators and also Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) for their quick action in speaking on behalf of the industry in a letter to Senate leaders. “The speed with which the domestic seafood industry has come together to speak with one voice is unprecedented,” said Bob Vanasse, executive director of Saving Seafood, which organized the coalition. “There are many differences in our nation’s fisheries — geography, species, gear types and management — but today our fisheries are simultaneously diverse and unified. We look forward to working together across traditional industry lines, and with elected officials and administrators, to ensure the aid the federal government is providing will flow fairly and equitably across regions and fisheries.” As I hear more about this or other sources of relief (e.g., the US Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance), I will convey those as well. Another resource to aid in application development can be found through SUNY Stony Brook's Small Business Development Center: https://www.stonybrook.edu/sbdc/ Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

OHIO 3-31-20 See reply from ODNR. Self explanatory. From: [email protected] Subject: RE: Cov-19 and Charters Our Lake Erie Charter Boat Association worked with the Director’s office and determined that charter businesses were considered non-essential and should not operate in the spirit of the Governor’s Stay at Home Order. It’s my understanding that the LECBA president, Paul Pacholski, sent an email notification out to all members to inform them of the determination. Enforcement of issues associated with the Order ultimately falls upon local health departments. I can’t speak to the nature of actual enforcement of the non-essential determination, I can only convey to you second hand what I’ve heard. Thanks, and best of luck. Take care, Travis Travis Hartman Lake Erie Program Administrator ODNR Division of Wildlife Phone: 419-871-6142 Email: [email protected]

NEW YORK 3-31-20 DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe Response to COVID-19: A Message to Fishing Charters, Guides and Anglers Fishing Safely This Season New York State is open for fishing and DEC encourages anglers to recreate locally at a nearby waterbody. New York's lakes and streams offer great opportunities for fishing in a wide array of settings across the state. Even during the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature while angling in New York's waters is a great way to help maintain mental and physical health. Please continue to follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19: Try to keep at least six feet of distance between you and others. Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands. Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and playground equipment. When fishing, DEC recommends avoiding busy waters and following the guidelines on DEC's website about fishing responsibly in New York State. If an angler arrives at a parking lot and there are several cars, they should consider going to another parking lot. If an angler is fishing upstream, they should fish downstream of the other angler or consider fishing another day. Anglers fishing from boats should always be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another. For more information about the benefits of being outdoors safely and responsibly, go to DEC's website. Charters and Guides The "New York State on PAUSE" Executive Order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone during the COVID-19 response, includes a directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason. At this time, fishing guides or charters of any size have been determined to be not essential and are subject to workforce reduction requirements of the Executive Order. The full and updated guidance on which types of businesses are determined essential and other designations associated with the order can be found online. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation respects your right to privacy and welcomes your feedback | Update preferences or unsubscribe | Learn more about DEC Delivers. Connect with DEC: Basil Seggos, Commissioner Jerry RUNNIN REBEL This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · 625 Broadway · Albany, NY 12233 · (518) 402-8013

N Y STATE 3-30-20 Below find guidance as it relates to charters and guides. The "New York State on PAUSE" Executive Order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone during the COVID-19 response, includes a directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason. At this time, fishing guides or charters of any size have been determined to be not essential and are subject to workforce reduction requirements of the Executive Order. The full and updated guidance on which types of businesses are determined essential and other designations associated with the order can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026 Jerry RUNNIN REBEL Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

PENNSLYVANIA Charter boats and Guides operations now not permitted THINGS ARE UPDATING QUICKLY The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has received clarification from the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office regarding the classification of charter boat and fishing guide operations. The Governor’s Office has determined that charter boat and fishing guide operations (whether conducted by boat or on foot) DO NOT meet the definition of a life-sustaining business. Such operations are classified as a recreational industry and continued operation of such businesses is not permitted under the Governor’s Order of March 19, 2020. Operators may be subject to enforcement procedures if found out of compliance with that Order. With your assistance, we can help stop COVID-19 from spreading. If you have any questions, please let us know. We apologize for any confusion. Thank you for your cooperation. COL Corey L. Britcher PA Fish & Boat Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement PO Box 67000 Harrisburg, PA 17106 717-705-7861 Jerry RUNNIN REBEL Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

Ohio Now closed also. 3-27-2020 Washington State Closed recreational fishing Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

MICHIGAN Michigan's State Emergency Operations Center coordinates release of all important news related to COVID-19, and the DNR and all state agencies are working closely with the SEOC. Charter fishing and guide operations Charter and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes and other marine vessels are not currently permitted. These activities should cease immediately and not resume until at least April 13. In addition to the DNR’ Law Enforcement Division, Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies have full authority to enforce the provisions of this order. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

PENNSLYVANIA Good afternoon. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Wolf has issued several Executive Orders that have direct bearing on our day-to-day lives. Since fishing was included in the list of permitted activities as a lift-sustaining business on 3/24/2020, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission encourages you to adhere to the recommendations contained in the following press release, with particular emphasis on practicing the social distancing guidelines mentioned in Governor Wolf’s orders. With your assistance, we can help stop COVID-19 from spreading. If you have any questions, please let us know. Thank you for your cooperation. COL Corey L. Britcher PA Fish & Boat Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement PO Box 67000 Harrisburg, PA 17106 717-705-7861 3/26/2020 PFBC RESPONDS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING COVID-19 Agency encourages anglers to practice social distancing while fishing and boating HARRISBURG, Pa (March 26) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) knows that anglers and boaters are ethically minded, passionate outdoor enthusiasts who might have some questions about how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting their favorite activities this spring. As we continue to face the challenges of this rapidly shifting situation including travel restrictions, business and facility closures, and the desire to find safe and beneficial recreational activities, the PFBC is providing answers to several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Many detailed answers to questions about the upcoming trout season can be answered by reviewing the PFBC news release issued on March 16, 2020. Still have questions? Stay informed through official PFBC information updates posted on www.fishandboat.com and our official social media channels, Facebook and Twitter. We welcome your call at (717)705-7800 or email at [email protected]. Please practice social distancing while fishing and boating. 3/26/2020 FAQs May I still fish? Yes! In Pennsylvania, fishing is a year-round activity with many species of fish to enjoy, including bass, panfish, musky, walleye, catfish, trout in select waters, and many more. Fishing is often a solitary activity and is currently acceptable per the guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health if social distancing guidelines are followed. Are there any changes to trout season? Yes. If you plan to fish for stocked trout, be aware that the PFBC is operating under a consolidated statewide schedule for all counties during the 2020 trout season. Under this revised plan, a single Mentored Youth Trout Day will occur on Saturday, April 11, and a single Statewide Opening Day of trout season will take place on Saturday, April 18. As a result of these changes, separate, earlier regional mentored youth and opening days will not occur this year in the 18 southeastern counties, including: Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York. Anglers in these areas should revise their plans as necessary to adjust to the statewide schedule. What should I do to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus while fishing? When bank fishing or wading, please keep a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the nearest angler. A good rule of thumb is that if you can turn your rod perpendicular on all sides of you without hitting anyone, that is a safe distance. • If fishing with a child or children, advise them to not wander into the personal space of other anglers. • Refrain from carpooling. Sharing a vehicle with others could put you at risk. • Avoid crowds. If you arrive at your fishing spot and it’s crowded, find another location. • Avoid sharing fishing gear with anyone. Each angler is advised to have their own fishing gear (bait, bait container, waders, gloves, hand towels, clippers, pliers, or other personal items). • Remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; to clean your gear well after using it; and to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after fishing. • If you are fishing at a state or local park, the restrooms may be closed to protect staff and visitors. Use the bathroom before you visit or dispose of waste properly. Carry out any trash, since there are limited staff at these facilities. • Purchase your fishing license online at www.fishandboat.com. • Continue to follow the guidance from the CDC below: • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands. • Clean surfaces frequently. • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell. Is the Regional Trout Opener still happening in 18 southeastern counties? No. The PFBC is operating under a consolidated statewide schedule for all counties during the 2020 trout season. Under this revised plan, a single Statewide Opening Day of trout season will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Why did we consolidate the Regional Opening Day and Statewide Opening Day? To best protect the public and our staff from the spread of COVID-19, we consolidated the Regional and Statewide Opening Days. Opening days are the busiest fishing days of the year. We made the decision to consolidate the openers to the later date in order to reduce fishing pressure, provide more time and space to reduce the chance of anglers spreading or coming into contact with COVID-19, and to allow our staff more time to stock trout. Is Mentored Youth Trout Day still happening? A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will occur on Saturday, April 11, 2020. The earlier Regional Mentored Youth Trout Day will not occur this year. Are you still stocking fish? May I help? The PFBC is still stocking fish! But to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the public is not permitted to help stock fish at this time. For the sake of your and our staff’s health, we respectfully ask that you not attend stockings this year. The 2020 trout stocking is being conducted on an accelerated schedule. These changes will not result in any reduction in the approximately 3.2 million trout scheduled to be stocked statewide in 2020. To complete trout stocking operations without the assistance of the public, the PFBC has modified stocking methods for this year. Many PFBC staff are being reassigned from their normal work duties to assist with stocking fish into lakes and streams. In some cases, pre-season and in-season allocations of trout will be combined into single stocking events to increase the efficiency of stocking trips. Why aren’t we updating the stocking schedule online immediately after stocking? Our focus is on stocking the fish as quickly and efficiently as we can. We will update the online stocking schedule in advance of the April 11 Mentored Youth Trout Day and April 18 Opening Day. Where may I fish? Some trout waters managed under special regulations are open to year-round fishing. For instance, the PFBC’s Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters are managed under Artificial Lures Only and Catch-and-Release regulations and feature high concentrations of trophy-sized trout. You can also fish for other species like bass, panfish, or catfish at a creek or lake that is not stocked with trout. There are lots of great options out there! Check out the PFBC’s online list of Pennsylvania’s Best Fishing Waters by navigating to www.fishandboat.com, clicking on the “Locate” tab in the upper right hand corner of the screen, then clicking on “Best Fishing Waters” in the drop-down list. Pennsylvania state park waterbodies are also still open to fishing, as long as the waterbody is not stocked with trout. If the state park waterbody is designated as Open to Year-Round Fishing per the PFBC Fishing Regulations and is stocked with trout, anglers may fish it, but must immediately release any trout caught. Remember that the facilities at the 121 state parks and 20 state forests will be closed until April 30. The public will continue to be able to access trails, lakes, forests, roads, and parking areas at state parks for passive and dispersed recreation. Please be sure to adhere to the latest travel guidance from the Governor’s Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Please refer to the Regulations Summary Book on www.fishandboat.com for more information on creels and other regulations. The store where I buy my fishing license is closed. How do I get a fishing license? Buy it online using the FishBoatPA smartphone app or on a computer at www.fishandboat.com. Do I still need a fishing license? Yes. During this unprecedented time, anglers and boaters will be able to display their fishing license digitally on a phone or other mobile device, and they will be able to provide electronic receipts for the purchases of launch permits, fishing licenses, and boat registrations as proof of purchase. Fishing licenses and permits, launch permits, and boat registration renewals can be purchased online by using the FishBoatPA app or at www.fishandboat.com. If approached by a Waterways Conservation Officer in the field, an angler or boater can provide a digital image or receipt of their fishing license, and a digital receipt from their launch permit or boat registration as proof of purchase. Of course, you may display your fishing license on your hat or vest as you always have. We expect many anglers will continue to display their licenses and encourage them to do so. How are fishing license dollars reinvested in Pennsylvania? The PFBC is a user-funded agency and relies on fishing license revenues to fund the services and programs it provides to anglers – like the hatchery-raised trout that are being stocked across Pennsylvania at an unprecedented rate this spring. Thank you for expressing your support for fishing in the Commonwealth through the purchase of a license that is your ticket to fun and relaxation all year long. How do I report suspected fishing violations, including poaching before trout season starts? Call the tip line at 1-855-FISH-KIL (1-855-347-4545). Reminder: Wear your lifejacket! If you fish from a boat or go boating without fishing, please remember to wear your life jacket! Everyone is required to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak. Still have questions? Again, we welcome your call at 717-705-7800 or email at [email protected] and will get back to you as soon as possible. Your cooperation is essential in helping the PFBC provide safe and memorable fishing experiences in the midst of many unexpected events happening this spring. By following the guidelines listed above, which are meant to optimize public health and safety while fishing, we hope that you are able to get out along a stream or lake this spring and enjoy the many benefits of fishing and being outdoors. ## Media Contact: Mike Parker Communications Director (717)705-7806 (717)585-3076 mobile [email protected] Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

Michigan's State Emergency Operations Center coordinates release of all important news related to COVID-19, and the DNR and all state agencies are working closely with the SEOC. Charter fishing and guide operations Charter and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes and other marine vessels are not currently permitted. These activities should cease immediately and not resume until at least April 13. In addition to the DNR’ Law Enforcement Division, Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies have full authority to enforce the provisions of this order. Bruce, Sounds like a Good plan. You and Michigan DNR thinking the same way. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

Looks like a great time Bill. thanks for sharing. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

. Its critical walleye make it to maturity age/size, as this Lake Ontario population has been around for over 40 years plus..........we had 1 walleye over 30” and a couple more over 10 pounds. Unbelievable the age of these fish. Hmmmmmm wonder if they eat alewife and young of the year of ANY & ALL other species that swims in this lake? Probably good night time & shallow water hunters all spring/summer/fall/winter ?????? I have updated/current studies coming soon Jerry RUNNIN REBEL Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

Funny you ask...……..Here is some information on Bay of Quinte walleye. Lake Ontario's main transient breed. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

Abe, I am one of the 16 Lake Ontario representatives mentioned in opening DEC meeting notice and one of the 12 Bi-National committee members. (also involved with Lakeshore Riparian's-High Water problems=life time lake shore resident also). I spend ALOT of time year round on both sides of the Lake attending meetings/conference calls etc. . Contact most every day with scientist/biologist/ professors/charter capt.-local fisherman lake wide/USGS-NYSDEC-OMNR-Sea Grant/NOAA-Windsor college-Brockport College-Oswego college-Corning-Syracuse science ETC. To get this information. I am just sharing info, Glad you enjoy. PS I have some good stats on Lake Ontario/Bay of Quinte walleyes too if anyone every starts a post on that subject here.. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

Atlantic salmon on Canadian/Ontario side info.. There is a lot more to stocking Lake Ontario than just a "number" put in. Jerry RUNNIN REBEL Atlantic Salmon are a challenging fish, stocking fish to maximize returns to the lake fishery is very different than stocking fish to support a tributary fishery or for restoration of a species in a specific river. If the goal is to maximize AS returns to the open water boat fishery then the best strategy is to stock large AS yearlings directly into the lake to maximize survival to adulthood (similar to the stocking strategy for Brown Trout). What this strategy does not do is imprint AS to a stream and therefore returns to the stream and the tributary fishery may be low (basically left to chance). If the goal is to maximize returns to a particular tributary fishery then the best strategy is to stock AS into the stream so they will imprint and return at about age 3+. The challenge is getting the AS to imprint. Stocking advanced yearlings into the stream will likely improve survival but they may not imprint well – stock spring fingerlings (3 month old fish) will likely result in AS residing in the stream for up to two years and then smolt out, survival will be much lower but imprinting should be very good. One way we try to balance this is to stock yearlings as high in the watershed as we can (20+ miles), hoping that by the time they smolt out the fish will have imprinted. And if they don’t imprint at least survival will be better and the fish will show up somewhere. We are doing this in the Ganaraska River. If the goal is to restore a species to a self sustaining population then a we need to stock fish into high quality stream habitat that will support natural reproduction, the fish need to imprint and then the returning adults need to be able to get back to the spawning grounds and spawn successfully . We know that the longer a fish is in the hatchery the less wild it is… so getting AS out of the hatchery early improves the “wildness” but survival is low. Why? Because the stocked fish live in the stream for up to two years…and face a lot of predation pressure from other fish and environmental stress – flows/temps/siltation etc…. So the strategy is to stock a lot more small spring fingerlings knowing that survival will be low. When Ontario AS program started in 2006 we were focused on restoring the species, and that directed our stocking strategies. In 2015 we included the goal to also develop stream fisheries. This is why we started stocking the Ganaraska River in 2016. More recently we have started stocking surplus adult AS directly into the lake. These are fish that are 3+ years old and past their prime for egg collection. We stocked 900 this week on the north shore. We have now effectively used all three strategies above. Our primary goal though is to establish a self sustaining population in several tributaries to primarily support tributary fisheries (i.e. returns to the boat fishery are a bonus but not a primary objective). Additional challenges with AS. Unlike wild Chinook Salmon that mostly smolt out after a few months in May and June and therefore are not subject to stream habitat issues (low flow, drought, high temps), Atlantic Salmon require very high quality stream habitat for at least a full year and up to 3 years in some cases before they smolt out to the lake. Each fish has its own fish culture challenges and unique ecological requirements so comparing one species to another can be apples to oranges. There has been some work done on Atlantic Salmon diets for both juvenile and adults. Generally Atlantic Salmon diet in Lake Ontario is similar to Rainbow Trout – (more diverse than Chinook) but if Alewife are available they eat a lot of them. If you look in our annual report 2014 there is a research paper on this topic. As you know Alewife contain Thiaminase which can cause low Thiamine (vitamin B). There was some research done on the various strains of Atlantic Salmon and the Sebago Lake strain was found to do best under in low Thiamine conditions. NYSDEC stocks Sebago Lake and MNRF is moving in that direction. In the early days of our program we stock the LaHave strain. We are moving toward 100% Sebago (increasing broad stocks to increase production). Significant changes in 2015. In 2015 (Ontario) started to make some significant changes to our stocking program. To support fishery development in the Ganaraska and improve survival in other streams we started growing our fish larger across all life stages (spring and fall fingerlings and yearlings). This also resulted in stocking fewer fish because hatchery space is about total biomass. The chart below provides a good summary of numbers stocked vs biomass (size of fish). We fully expect to see the results of this enhanced stocking effort starting this year. We should see increased catches in the boat fishery and more fish returning to the rivers in 2019. We have the cameras running on both the Credit and Ganaraska and we have a boat creel running.