May 4, 2011
Moratorium Ended on Dauphin Lake Fishery
Manitoba Water Stewardship advises the closure and fishing restrictions on the Dauphin Lake tributaries put in place on April 25 have now been lifted.
The conservation measures included a moratorium on all fishing for walleye in the Turtle, Valley and Vermilion rivers, along with a daily limit of six walleye on other major tributaries during the spawning season. Based on monitoring, Manitoba Water Stewardship has determined that spawning is now complete.
As was the case in 2009 and 2010 conservation fishing closure, the department provided fish on-site at the Turtle and Valley rivers to those who would have normally fished these rivers during this period.
The department said the moratorium was a necessary addition to existing conservation measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of walleye populations in Dauphin Lake. Other existing conservation measures include reductions in the commercial harvest of walleye from Lake Dauphin, reductions in the daily catch limit of walleye for anglers, the requirement that all spawning‑sized walleye be released, and closure of all commercial and recreational fishing during the spring spawning season.
The department said the Province of Manitoba remains committed to working with First Nation, Métis, and other aboriginal communities, as well as with commercial and recreational users of the Dauphin Lake fishery to ensure the sustainable use of this valuable resource.
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