FISHERIES 



The fisheries research program in 195^ received considerable Impetus 

 from the Dominion-Provincial agreement for lamprey control and research on the 

 Great Lakes. New projects were initiated on Lake Huron and Lake Superior and the 

 study of the Bay of Quinte whlteflsh was taken over from the Pish and Wildlife 

 Division. Economic studies and biometrlcal analyses were carried out, with half 

 the cost being met by the Federal Government* Research on inland fisheries was 

 confined mainly to Algonquin Pcork, although one other project was ceirrled out 

 in co-operation with the Parry Sound District. 



Leike Superior 



The lake trout population of Lake Superior is seriously threatened by 

 the recent invasion of the sea lamprey. The principal f^^v* of the research in 

 this area is to determine the status of the lake trout population and to follow 

 any changes that may take place. This information will aid in evaluating the 

 lamprey control measures underway. 



It would seem, from a preliminary analysis of the lake trout catch per 

 unit of glllnet effort, that the Lake Superior trout fishery is already in a very 

 -precarious position. The frequency of lamprey scars on lake trout suggests that 

 lampreys are well established in most of the Canadian waters of Lake Superior, 

 with higher predation occurring on the east shore and in the Whlteflsh Bay eurea. 

 One population of trout, inhabiting the Superior shoal in midlake, is still rela- 

 tively free of predation. 



Lake Huron 



Lake Huron activities were centered aiTOXtnd the experimental fishery 

 at South Bay, where fishing pressure is placed on both desirable and undesirable 

 species with the purpose of increasing the production of game and commercially 

 valuable fish. Analyses have been made of the production of lake trout and bass* 

 The disappearance of South Bay lake trout as a result of lamprey predation has 

 been well documented. The smallmouth bass population appears to have been well 

 utilized by anglers. In spite of this, climatic factors rather than fishing 

 pressure appear to be more Important in effecting their abundance. Similarly, 



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