Let’s get more signatures for this petition
It has been a little over a year since we launched this petition. While progress has been slower than many of us had hoped, significant strides have been made and the conversation continues to move forward.
Sadly, Stu Paterson, my friend, fellow conservation champion, and partner in launching this initiative, has passed away. It is heartbreaking to know that he will not be there to one day fish two lines out in the bay should these changes become a reality. Stu was passionate about conservation, the future of our fishery, ensuring anglers had a voice in decisions affecting Georgian Bay, and a fair level rule set across all the great lakes. While he may no longer be with us, we will continue the work he cared so deeply about and do everything we can to make these changes happen for future generations of anglers.
The best path forward is through collaboration between local anglers, fishing clubs, and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Our voices do make a difference, but we need to work together if we want them to be heard. Encouragingly, coalitions of fishing clubs are beginning to form, bringing anglers together around a common goal. By working collectively and engaging constructively with the MNR, we can help shape the future of our fishery.
The MNR is also beginning development of a brand new Non-native Salmonid Management Plan for Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. This planning process will examine current stocking practices, lake ecology, as well as social, cultural, and economic considerations from across Lake Huron. The plan will guide fisheries management decisions for years to come and presents an important opportunity for anglers and stakeholder groups to have meaningful input into the future of our fishery.
Now is the time to get involved. If you are not already a member of a local fishing club, please consider joining one. Fishing clubs are the backbone of angler advocacy, conservation initiatives, habitat projects, and fisheries management discussions. Individual voices matter, but when anglers unite through organized clubs and associations, our collective voice becomes much stronger and far more effective.
As this new management plan takes shape, anglers need to be informed, engaged, and represented. Join a club, attend meetings, support conservation efforts, participate in consultations, and encourage other anglers to do the same. Together, we can honour Stu Paterson's legacy, ensure anglers have a seat at the table, and help build a healthier, more sustainable fishery for future generations.
The future of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron's fishery depends on all of us. Join a club, get involved, and help make a difference.
Keep spreading the good word and sharing this petition wherever you can. Talk to fellow anglers, encourage them to join local fishing clubs, and ask them to sign and share. Every signature counts, every voice matters, and together we can make a real difference for the future of our fishery.