Fisheries Assessment Starting in Lake Nipissing

Press Releases

October 6, 2015

Ontario, in partnership with Nipissing First Nation and Dokis First Nation, will be conducting a fisheries assessment in Lake Nipissing once the water temperatures reach 15 degrees Celsius. This generally happens between late September and mid-October.This annual project, now in its 18th year, will collect important information that will help to manage the walleye population in Lake Nipissing. Standardized nets are set for 24 hours in randomly chosen locations. Nets will be identified with white buoys labelled MNRF. Boaters should avoid travelling between these buoys.Fish will be biologically sampled for length, weight, sex, maturity, and age. The data collected from this and other research provide information to guide walleye management on the lake.

Quick Facts

• Conducting this fisheries survey supports the objectives outlined in the approved Lake Nipissing Fisheries Management Plan.
• Few fisheries have been studied as long or as intensively as the Lake Nipissing walleye fishery.
• The walleye population in Lake Nipissing is in serious decline with the current population dominated by young fish.
• It is an offence under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to interfere with or tamper with gillnets set for commercial or scientific use.

Media Contacts

Heather Pridham
Northeast Region, South Porcupine
705-235-1136

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