NFN: Spring Moratorium Begins April 1st

March 22, 2021

In accordance with NFN’s Fisheries Law, the spring moratorium is in effect as of Thursday, April 1st and will remain in effect until the 2021 fishing season begins on Saturday, May 22nd.  The temporary moratorium on the cultural practice of spear fishing remains in effect this year. Our enforcement officers will be monitoring for compliance regularly.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering online registration for commercial fishers again this year.

To register as a commercial fisher, please complete the following application form: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/elChms
Please note: This is an application only. You must receive a Commercial Fishing Card from the Natural Resources Department in order to be registered to fish commercially.

Online Catch Reporting Form: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/9VCh3O

The current seasonal closure does not affect our members’ inherent and treaty-protected rights to harvest fish for subsistence or ceremonial purposes. Members who plan to fish for subsistence or ceremony must follow our Fisheries Law and are asked to notify our Fisheries Office in advance by calling 705-753-6991. Anyone selling fish under the pretense of subsistence or ceremonial fishing will be considered to be in violation of NFN’s fishing laws and subject to enforcement measures under our Fisheries Law.

Miigwech to the registered commercial fishers and community members who respect the will of the community and follow the NFN Fisheries Law. Your efforts are helping to ensure that we can all enjoy the resources that Lake Nipissing provides for us now, and for generations to come.

Nipissing First Nation plays a fundamental role in promoting the health and recovery of the Lake Nipissing fishery.  NFN continues to have significant successes in protecting the lake’s walleye population and maintaining safe harvest levels within our commercial fishery, consistent with Aboriginal treaty and harvesting rights.

The spring gillnet moratorium and the seasonal closure in the fall are the most important management tools we have to protect the spawning fish and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of Lake Nipissing and our fishery.

For more information, please visit our Fisheries Management page.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Jeff McLeod, Natural Resources Manager
705-753-2050 ext. 1325

Cameron Welch, Director of Lands & Natural Resources
705-753-2922 ext. 1225

NT5