A Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries

Freshwater fisheries are among Ontario's most valued natural resources. Protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems not only means healthy fish but healthier environments. Healthy aquatic ecosystems provide fishing opportunities and a nutritious food supply, and create employment.

Developed in 1976, the original Strategic Plan for Ontario FisheOcean Fishingries provided a long-term plan for managing Ontario's fisheries resources. The Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries was a beginning, and led to substantial gains.

In 1989, the Ministry of Natural Resources, in consultation with the public, designed a new Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries II for the 1990s and beyond. This consultative approach to the development of the Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries II allowed for the contribution of many diverse groups. The Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries II identified the ecological, economic, and social values of our fisheries, and mapped out a course of action to sustain aquatic ecosystems for the future.

The goal for Ontario fisheries is a healthy aquatic ecosystem that provides sustainable benefits, contributes to society's present and future requirements for a high-quality environment, wholesome food, employment and income, recreational activity and cultural heritage.

In order to provide sustainable benefits for the future, the objectives of the Strategic Plan are:

• To protect healthy aquatic ecosystems;
• To rehabilitate degraded aquatic ecosystems; and
• To improve cultural, social and economic benefits from Ontario's fisheries resource.

For more information see Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: A Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries<

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