Winnipeg. Urban Sport Fishing Stakeholders Report

Transcription

1 Urban Sport Fishing 1996 Stakeholders Report

2 Urban Sport Fishing CONTENTS 2 Introduction 2 Strategic Goals Learn to Fish Program The learn to fish program introduces Winnipeggers to the world class sport fishery located on the Red and Assiniboine rivers within Winnipeg city limits. Increase Resident Recreational Fishing Opportunities Resource Enhancement and Protection Generate Tourism Benefits 3 Needs Assessment... 3 Fishing Information... 3 Promotion of Urban Fishing... 4 Fish Consumption... 4 Water Quality... 4 Access to Fishing Opportunities... 5 Sport Fishing Regulations... 5 Rehabilitation Sites... 5 Stock Monitoring... 7 Enforcement and Education... 7 Outfitting Services... 7 Marketing Approach... 7 Industry Involvement Summary Fishing in Winnipeg Brochure The brochure is designed to provide information on fishing access sites along the Red and Assiniboine rivers, the different kinds of fish found in these rivers, fishing tips, and proper fish handling and food preparation guidelines if you plan to take some home to try. Winnipeg Fish Festival The festival is held at the Forks Market Place featuring displays, boats, kids casting events and mainstage attractions.

3 Strategic Goals Increase Resident Recreational Fishing Opportunities Winnipeg s rivers provide city residents with a world class sport fishery located within minutes of their backyards. However, most residents appear to overlook this under-utilized resource. By developing the urban sport fishery through promotion, enhancement and education, Winnipeggers will be provided with an opportunity to participate in a healthly and affordable recreational activity. Resource Enhancement and Protection Although Winnipeg s rivers provide residents with a diverse urban sport fishery, it is important to ensure that both fish stocks and habitat conditions remain healthy. In doing so, we will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities and fishing experiences that we presently enjoy. Generate Tourism Benefits Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. To effectively generate tourist interest and use of Winnipeg s fisheries resources, strategies must be developed to take advantage of these opportunities. Agencies responsible for promoting tourism in Winnipeg need to incorporate sport fishing as an alternative recreational activity to offer vistors to our city. Increased tourism related revenue from the promotion of a world class sport fishery will benefit all Winnipeggers. INTRODUCTION The Urban Sport Fishing Plan was initiated by the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1993 in an attempt to develop and implement a coordinated action plan that would help Manitoba realize the economic and social benefits that could arise from a more complete, responsible use of the sport fishing potential of Winnipeg s Red and Assiniboine rivers. The partner groups involved in the development of the plan were as follows: City of Winnipeg Parks and Recreation Department, Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF), Fish Futures Inc., Manitoba Environment, City of Winnipeg Water and Waste Department, Travel Manitoba, Manitoba Department of Urban Affairs, Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The plan provides a background that identifies the need for an Urban Sport Fishing Plan, the objective of the plan and three strategic goals for implementation (left). The order of the strategic goals presented reflects the order of priority for implementing actions directed at developing the angling opportunities in Winnipeg. The plan was approved by DNR in the spring of 1995 and by the City of Winnipeg in August of that same year with support from the participating organizations and agencies. Most recently, the Mid-Canada Marine Dealers Association (MMDA) has participated on the Urban Sport Fishing Committee, representing sport fishing industry interests. 2

4 Needs Assessment In 1995, three surveys were conducted to assess public attitudes on urban angling opportunities within Winnipeg city limits. These consisted of: interviewing anglers along the Red and Assiniboine rivers as part of a graduate thesis on Urban Angler Attitudes, surveying existing licensed anglers to determine if they angled in the city and if not why, and an insert into the Winnipeg Department of Parks and Recreation household survey. Results from the above surveys indicated that concerns were focussed on four generalized categories; pollution, quality of fish in the rivers, lack of sport fishing information and the need to improve access to Winnipeg s rivers. Fishing Information Get Hooked on Fishing Brochure To introduce Winnipeggers to the urban sport fishery MMDA, Fish Futures Inc. and the MWF cooperatively produced an informational brochure entitled Get Hooked on Fishing in Winnipeg. A total of 100,000 copies were produced with assistance from the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund and the City of Winnipeg Water and Waste Department. The brochure provides: general fishing information to the public on access sites along the rivers, tips and suggestions on different types of tackle to use, a general listing of the different fish species found in the rivers, and proper fish handling and food safety guidelines. The brochure was distributed through City of Winnipeg Parks and Recreation offices, participating MMDA tackle and marine dealers, DNR outlets and tourist information points throughout the city. Distribution of this brochure will continue during Learn to Fish Program During the summers of 1995 and 1996 the City of Winnipeg Parks and Recreation offered a Learn to Fish Program. These courses, which fell under the city s Leisure Guide Program, used industry donated angling gear, industry sponsored professional fishermen as instructors and volunteer assistance from the MWF. In 1996 approximately 165 people enrolled in this program at a number of sites throughout the city. Based on participant evaluations conducted by the City of Winnipeg, registrants indicated that the courses were well done and should be continued in the future. Similarly, industry participants expressed a wish to participate in future programs. Planning is presently underway to continue this program in the summer of Informational Packages Work has been initiated on the development of educational material to be made available through school curriculums and a series of educational pieces on the preparation of fish and different fish recipes for people who wish to eat their catch. These articles and recipes will be made available for distribution prior to the opening of the 1997 fishing season. In addition, information with respect to the urban fishing program will continue to be disseminated through other avenues such as the Manitoba Anglers Guide, Travel Manitoba publications and city mail outs where possible in

5 Promotion of Urban Fishing Winnipeg Fish Festival The second annual Winnipeg Fish Festival was held at the Forks in June, MMDA, along with Winnipeg Parks and Recreation, MWF and DNR coordinated the event. The festival featured: displays (City of Winnipeg Parks and Recreation and Water and Waste Departments, Canadian Coast Guard, Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, etc.), main-stage attractions, childrens casting area, MWF s junior angler program, boats and local pro-fishermen, and lots of prizes from the MMDA and other industry participants. Comments received from those organizations involved indicated that they were pleased with the progress made on this years edition of the festival and felt it was a success. Planning is underway for the continuation of such an event in Promotional Advertising Fish Filleting In 1996, the Winnipeg Fish Festival and Learn to Fish Program were advertised in the spring edition of the City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide. 173,000 copies of the guide were distributed to households throughout the city. The front cover depicted an urban fishing scene and two inside pages were dedicated to the above activities. The 1997 spring Leisure Guide will also include a two page spread advertising these events. Furthermore, the 1997 Manitoba Anglers Guide will also promote urban fishing through a section entitled Angling Programs and Special Events in Fish Consumption A coordinated effort between DNR, Manitoba Environment, along with provincial and city Health agencies resulted in set of guidelines which highlighted some common sense measures for preparing and cooking fish. These guidelines were included as part of the Get Hooked on Fishing in Winnipeg brochure. Water Quality The urban fishing committee has worked with Manitoba Environment and provincial Health staff to develop appropriate signage for Winnipeg s riverbanks. The signs will focus on recommended safe river/riverbank activities (i.e. boating/recreational fishing) and are cautionary in tone about health risks associated with immersion. The signs are to be erected at high profile river bank sites throughout the city. The signage is being designed in accordance with recommendations and criteria set forth by the Clean Environment Commission (CEC) hearings which were held in To compliment this informational signage, a brief discussion on water quality and turbidity of city rivers was also included in the Get Hooked on Fishing in Winnipeg brochure. 4

6 Access to Fishing Opportunities Identification of Existing Fishing Sites Providing information about existing fishing sites was one of the key objectives in the Get Hooked on Fishing in Winnipeg brochure. A total of 16 sites were identified along the Red and Assiniboine rivers where shoreline fishing was easily accessible (i.e. through City of Winnipeg public property) as well as three boat launching facilities. Potential sites were also inventoried and evaluated for possible future development by either DNR, Winnipeg Parks and Recreation or part of a University of Manitoba Landscape Architecture student s practicum thesis. St. John s Park and The Forks In the fall of 1996 additional access was also made available by the City of Winnipeg through the addition of the walkway at St. John s Park. An agreement was also reached with Parks Canada to allow angling along the majority of the Parks Canada property at The Forks. Winnipeg Development Agreement (WDA) In 1996, a funding proposal was submitted by Fish Futures Inc. and MWF to the Winnipeg Development Agreement (WDA). Response was positive to the proposal however, all available funds for the 1996/ 1997 fiscal year were allocated to the rehabilitation and enhancement of the old train bridge at the Forks. Manitoba Urban Affairs indicated that the proposal may require some modifications but will remain active in their files for WDA funding consideration in 1997/1998. Pan Am Games Society Preliminary discussions have been held with the Pan Am Games Society and associated groups to have fishing access development included as part of future works at The Forks. Sport Fishing Regulations As part of DNR s mandate for resource enhancement and protection, regulations were enacted for the 1996/1997 angling season that: prohibited the harvest of catfish over 60 cm (24 in) from the Red River, extended the regulation allowing only one walleye over 70 cm (28 in) to be harvested annually to that part of the Red River ranging from Lockport to the United States border, and walleye/sauger creel limit was lowered from six to four. Proposals for the 1997/1998 angling season also include an extension of the above catfish regulation to all of the province (i.e. including the Assiniboine River). Rehabilitation Sites Sturgeon Creek In 1994, habitat enhancement work was undertaken by representatives of the MWF on Sturgeon Creek which is a tributary of the Assiniboine River. Surveys were conducted to: 1) map existing habitat conditions, 2) inventory fish species and, 3) identify potential areas for rehabilitation. Based on these findings, four sites were selected in 1995 for riffle/ pool construction. Sturgeon Creek Riffles and Pools 5

7 Rehabilitation Sites Sturgeon Creek Con t Conceptual landscape designs were also drafted for the Grant s Mill area. These designs included: a fish ladder which would allow fish passage upstream of the dam, a viewing deck with educational signage, and a plexi-glass viewing area which would enhance fish viewing opporutninites for visitors to the area. The designs will be used as a tool to generate public and corporate support and funding. As funding becomes available, construction of the fish ladder and the corresponding viewing deck will begin. Truro Creek The Friends of Bruce Park resident s group formed in 1991 over concerns about rapid erosion in Truro Creek. Truro Creek is a small, imtermittent stream which flows into the Assiniboine River. The majority of land adjacent to the creek is owned by the City of Winnipeg. Manitoba Environment, Winnipeg Parks and Recreation and DNR have all assisted this group in a variety of activities. These have included: numerous community planting days each year, Green Team hirings for two seasons, preparation of stream bed profiles, and assistance with water quality monitoring. In the spring of 1996 funding was secured from the Fisheries Enhancement Initiative (FEI) to install 19 riffle/pool structures during the fall and winter season. To date, 6 of these structures have been constructed. The riffles will help reduce stream bank erosion and provide increased spawning, nursery and pool habitat for fish. Additional stream bank stabilization and revegetation projects are also planned for the future. Seine River Members of the Save our Seine resident s group recognize that the Seine River is under stress. Because they cherish the natural and historic heritage of this river members are working with other partners to preserve, restore, protect and enhance the river. Since 1991, Save our Seine members have been involved in annual river cleanups and tree planting projects. They have worked with Green Team staff over the last two summers, been involved in initiating water level management plans and interpretive studies on the Seine, conducted regular water testing with Manitoba Environment and are now in the process of designing riffle/pool structures to stabilize stream banks and provide additional habitat. In addition, working in partnership with the City of Winnipeg Seine River Task Force, plans are underway to develop and implement an interpretive trail along the riverbank. The Seine River study will be finalized by the summer of River Cleanups 6

8 Stock Monitoring In 1995 and 1996 DNR Fisheries Branch initiated a fish stock monitoring program on the Red and Assiniboine rivers within Winnipeg City limits. This program was designed to develop a long term trend over time database which could be used in determining relative fish abundances. During the summer months of 1995 and 1996 a total of 90 and 142 fish were sampled respectively. Sampling took place at 3 locations on the Assiniboine and 6 locations on the Red River. Of the 13 species sampled over the two year period, the most abundant were Channel Catfish (39 %) and Shorthead Redhorse Sucker (26 %) (right). Ageing results also indicated that several year classes were present among and between the different species. DNR Fisheries Branch plans to continue this monitoring program in Education and Enforcement % Frequency DNR s Winnipeg District and Fisheries Branch staff are committed to the role of education and enforcement with respect to the sustainable use of Winnipeg s fisheries resources. Staff have participated at various events associated with urban angling to promote and educate the general public. Currently enforcement is not a critical issue. However, the opportunity to educate present and future users about the resource (including sustainability) is perceived as a definite asset. DNR has committed to a summer staff who s responsibilities will be: to educate and inform the general public on urban fishing activities, participate in upcoming events (i.e. Winnipeg Fish Festival), and maintain an enforcement presence on the rivers. Quillback Rock Bass Bullhead Species Catch Frequency ( Combined) Northern Pike Mooneye \ Goldeye Species Outfitting Services White Sucker Several Limited Service Outfitters are licensed in the Winnipeg area. To effectively market the tourism potential of Winnipeg s rivers, there is a need for experienced outfitters prior to the active promotion of urban fishing. These resources must be in place to ensure that visitors receive an adventure to remember. Marketing Approach In general, government tourism agencies agreed that urban angling could be marketed as part of the Winnipeg/Manitoba s tourism package when the product was developed. As resident recreational angling opportunities are developed and sufficient outfitting services are put into place, active marketing of urban fishing can be undertaken. Marketing urban angling would provide visitors to Winnipeg and Manitoba with an alternative recreational activity. Industry Involvement There is a growing awareness by the angling industry of the potential for generating economic benefits from urban angling. Future discussions with Travel Manitoba, the Manitoba Lodge and Outfitter s Association (MLOA) and Tourism Winnipeg are anticipated. Carp Walleye \ Sauger Freshwater Drum Shorthead Redhorse Sucker Channel Catfish 7

9 Urban Sport Fishing Partners Summary Through cooperative efforts of the organizations and agencies involved the Urban Sport Fishing Program has advanced significantly. The Get Hooked on Fishing in Winnipeg brochure, the Learn to Fish courses and the Winnipeg Fish Festival programs have improved each year and are going to continue to provide positive, first time experiences to beginning anglers and introduce them to a healthy and affordable family leisure activity that is present in their own neighbourhoods. Continuing to develop and enhance safe access to the riverbanks, and enhancing aquatic and streambank habitat, will result in benefits to resources and the sustainable and valuable use of our fisheries. Together with other positive riverbank developments and river uses, the Urban Sport Fishing Program will help give Winnipeg back its rivers. By continuing to cooperate and capturing the synergies available when people work together, the urban recreational fishing program can contribute positively to residents of Winnipeg, local businesses and Manitoba s economy.