Joint Statement regarding Fishing and the Ganaraska River
The Municipality treasures our natural water resources, such as Lake Ontario and the Ganaraska River, as vital assets. Acknowledging this, nearly a decade ago the Municipality established an informal working group in collaboration with regulatory and agency partners. The Port Hope Salmon Working Group consists of organizations like the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA), and Port Hope Police Service (PHPS). The Group aims to provide outreach and to address community concerns related to the salmon and trout fishery in Port Hope through open communication and collaborative solutions.
As the 2024 fishing season approaches, the Municipality, alongside the working group members, is collaborating on a strategic and coordinated approach, which includes discussions regarding illegal activities along the Ganaraska River relating to fishing in Port Hope. Since its inception, the Group has made significant progress in public relations, education, and outreach efforts, dedicating resources to information sharing, enforcement, garbage collection, and fishing education.
The 2023 fishing season witnessed a remarkable increase in the Chinook Salmon run, leading to a surge in public angling and viewing activities. The 2023 season was associated with a noticeable rise in garbage accumulation, increased fish waste along the River and at the fish cleaning station as well as significant complaints and concerns from the community related to some of the fishing practices observed. The Group has been working towards finding solutions to these concerns.
The working group is dedicated to collaborative efforts that positively impact both the community and its visitors, aiming to improve the fishing experience in Port Hope. Updates for the community will be ongoing.
2024-02-09