The Manitoba government has sent out invitations to Lake Winnipeg commercial fishers encouraging them to attend the province’s first-ever fishers summit, a gathering that will unite north- and south-basin fishers and address the long-term viability and success of the province’s freshwater fishery.
“It’s been many years since commercial fishers have had a seat at the table when it comes to the deciding how best to advance the future of the freshwater fish sector in Manitoba,” said Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie. “Our goal is to bring commercial fishers into the decision-making process and have a say in the future of their industry. We hope that fishers from across the province will attend this summit and share their vision of the future.”
The summit will be held in Selkirk on Friday, May 9 and is a continuation of a series of forums that were held last April for people from communities around Lake Winnipeg. Those interested in attending the forum can email fish@gov.mb.ca. Further information and formal invitations will be sent out to commercial fishers and stakeholders.
“For over 100 years, Manitobans have been harvesting fish for commerce, growing into a valued industry that contributes approximately $100 million annually to Manitoba’s economy,” said Bushie. “It is imperative that fishers are part of the conversations that involve their industry and livelihoods. We want to make sure this industry grows and prospers, creating rural jobs and vibrant communities for the next 100 years.”
Currently, commercial fishing in Manitoba is managed through the use of licences, quotas, gear restrictions and seasons. These management tools allow fish populations and the industry to remain viable over the long-term, noted the minister.
