GAME FISH SECTION 



The game fish resources of Ontario are managed by a field staff 

 operating In twenty-t^A/o districts. Part of this staff consists of eighteen 

 biologists, who are engaged In applying the best scientific Information 

 available to problems relating to fish and wildlife management In the districts. 



The primary aim of fish management Is to obtain the highest 

 possible sustained yield from our fish stocks. To realize this aim It Is 

 necessary to have adequate knowledge of the fish population of the waters. 

 Including the composition of the population and the rate of growth of the 

 fish. With this knowledge we may provide for the full utilization of the 

 fisheries surplus without endangering the future supply. 



The management of the fisheries resource is facilitated by the use 

 of a number of management tools and techniques. The Department is presently 

 operating 25 fish cultural stations for the purpose of raising desirable 

 game and commercial fish for introduction to or restocking of public waters. 

 Biological surveys of lakes and streams are being conducted systematically 

 throughout the province as a basic requirement of all fish management. Other 

 important management practices currently employed by the Department includes, 

 the harvest and transfer of black bass, the removal of coarse fish, which 

 includes the trapping of sea lamprey, the tagging of fish and creel census 

 studies, the reclamation of lakes by poisoning, and assistance with the 

 development of farm ponds. A brief review of the work conducted in these 

 various phases of management is set forth in the following paragraphs. 

 HATCHERY OPERATIONS 



Twenty-five fish cultural stations were in operation during the 

 current year. The renovation of the Sault Ste. Marie Trout Rearing Station which 

 was closed in September, 1953, is proceeding on schedule. It is expected that 

 this station will be completed in time to begin operations with the incubation 

 of eyed eggs in the fall of 1955. 



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