Importance of Fishing Restrictions During Times of Low Water/High Temperatures-Fish and other aquatic animals are subject to a variety of stressors and are dependent on the conditions of their surrounding environment. Low water levels and high temperatures can be very stressful on fish. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels can become low in warm water. Extremely low DO levels create an environment that is not compatible with life for certain species that require more oxygen. Metabolic rates of fish also decrease during high water temperature periods, leaving fish with an inability to process increased levels of lactic acid and other toxins that build up during a fight after being hooked by an angler. Any additional stress on these fish results in a much higher mortality rate even while practicing proper catch and release techniques.
As climate variability increases with larger floods and deeper droughts, action needs to be taken to help protect our natural resources. Unlike many other provinces, Ontario does not restrict angling on waterways and waterbodies during environmentally stressful times of the year. We need to emphasize the need to protect our fish stocks by temporarily restricting angling during times of low water and high temperatures.
Please join the movement and sign the attached petition and email it to Drift Outfitters or submit a hard copy to the Drift Outfitters Fly Shop at
199 Queen Street East Toronto, Ontario M5A 1S2.
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