The Blue Fish Radio Show

On the June 5th 2023 segment recorded live on Canadian Fishing Network, Lawrence and Scotty discuss Blue Fish News highlights including what’s driving the growth in numbers of youth anglers, 2022 salmon capture data in B.C. and Quebec, the tragic loss of four youth anglers and one adult along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Killer Whales that are capsizing boats, tips for taking your dog fishing aboard your boat, and much more.

Scottie Martin and host Lawrence Gunther discuss fishing apps, the new Fish Health Tracker tool, and whether the sentence of two poachers was sufficient, on Canadian Fishing Network Live May 15, 2023.

Doris Leung is the Interim Director of the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System, and a driving force behind the recently released “Fish Health Tracker Tool”. The Tool was created for anglers to report unusual fish species or fish health issues. Doris explains how the Fish Health Tracker Tool works on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Scottie Martin from Canadian Fishing Network and Lawrence Gunther discuss naturalizing shorelines, accessible fishing for deaf-blind anglers, the high seas, and Blue Fish Canada’s summer youth fishing programs live on cfN May 8 2023.

Live May 1 2023 on Canadian Fishing Network, Scottie Martin and Lawrence Gunther discuss the legacy of lead, micro fishing, targeting escaped hatchery fish, invasives using floating garbage to reach new habitat, and tracking Great White Sharks heading for Atlantic Canada. Margie Manthey is a true local champion for her numerous efforts to improve the future of fish and fishing on Wolf Lake. The lake is located near Westport in eastern Ontario in a region known as South Frontenac. A passionate angler, Margie has been instrumental in rehabilitating walleye spawning beds, replacing “perched” culverts, and strengthening shoreline resilience. But, her main passion is incentifying anglers to switch away from using lead weights and jigs. Her “get the lead out” program resulted in over 80 kilos of lead fishing tackle being voluntarily turned in by anglers in just one year. Margie is our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Margie Manthey is a true local champion for her numerous efforts to improve the future of fish and fishing on Wolf Lake. The lake is located near Westport in eastern Ontario in a region known as South Frontenac. A passionate angler, Margie has been instrumental in rehabilitating walleye spawning beds, replacing “perched” culverts, and strengthening shoreline resilience. But, her main passion is incentifying anglers to switch away from using lead weights and jigs. Her “get the lead out” program resulted in over 80 kilos of lead fishing tackle being voluntarily turned in by anglers in just one year. Margie is our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Scottie Martin and I discuss capturing fish 8 km below the surface, destructive Mine tailings, Trout Unlimited Canada’s Bring Back the Brookies initiative, marauding Great Whites off the coast of NS, and angler actions to reduce lead fishing tackle, live on Canadian Fishing Network April 24 2023.

Kerry Kennedy is a member of the London Ontario chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada, and the driving force behind the Bring Back the Brookies initiative. A committed conservationist, Kerry is leading the charge to enhance trout habitat, and to document the TU chapter’s progress so others are informed and inspired to do the same. Find out what it takes to enhance stream and shoreline habitat, and why initiatives such as this are becoming imperative to the health of resident trout.

Scottie Martin and I celebrate Canada’s successes at the 2023 BASS Master Clasic in Tennessee, and discuss important water, fish and fishing news on Canadian Fishing Network Live on March 27, 2023, on this new episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Mental wellbeing, positive thinking, and mindfulness are the topics and the areas of expertise of the three guests on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show. Author Paul Michael White has just released his 3rd book “Tales of the Great Outdoors” and discusses the benefits of outdoor therapy over that of the couch. Fly fisher Morgan McLean, former Steelhead and salmon guide and now a member of Canada’s fly-fishing team about to compete in the Commonwealth Games, reflects on the importance of mental preparedness and positive attitude. And, Alexandra Euteneier, a practicing psychotherapist and outdoor mindfulness instructor, offers a more spiritual approach to forming meaningful “one health” connections with nature. Lots to think about, but more importantly, a ton of great ideas for feeling and doing better.

Scottie Martin and Lawrence Gunther discuss how anglers can help curb the spread of invasive species along with all the rest of the Blue Fish News for March 20 2023 on CFN Live.

Safeguarding Canada’s natural assets from the impacts of invasive species begins with preventing their introduction. But it doesn’t end there. According to Jenna White, program development coordinator for the Invasive Species Centre, anglers can also play a role in preventing the spread of invasives, reporting when an invasive has been captured or observed, monitoring the spread, participating or leading initiatives to remove invasives, supporting invasive species research, and providing input to officials responsible for invasive species policy and regulations. And let’s not forget education and awareness. Jenna is our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show available as a podcast or by visiting the Blue Fish Canada YouTube channel. Find out more about how you can get involved, and how the Invasive Species Centre can answer your questions and support your invasive species community project.

Link below to listen as Scottie Martin and I discuss the push being organized by several environmental groups in B.C. to ban recreational salmon fishing on Canadian Fishing Network Live, along with all the rest of the fish and fishing Blue Fish Canada news.

Listen as Scottie Martin and I talk about fishing boat sales and availability, our four days exhibiting at the Ottawa Boat and Outdoor Show, and the latest fish and fishing news on Canadian Fishing Network Live February 27 2023.

Link to the Blue Fish Radio Show to hear Scottie Martin and me talk about the spring outdoor show season and concerns being voiced by the sport fishing industry over potential angler access issues that could result from the many new marine protection areas being proposed for Canada on Canadian Fishing Network Live February 20 2023!

Host Lawrence Gunther covers the Impac5 Conference in Vancouver focused on Marine Protection Areas, and then participates as a panelist at the Festival of Ocean Films featuring his Water Ripple Change Maker documentary. It’s a collection of live audio featuring Impac5 exhibitors discussing fishing, and a lively panel discussion afterwards at the Festival with a focus on the question, is fishing sustainable? Catch all the highlights on The Blue Fish Radio Show!

Scottie Martin and I discuss fish feelings and the latest Blue Fish Canada News on Canadian Fishing Network Live on February 13 2023.

Save the River and Upper St. Lawrence river Keeper organize an annual winter conservation conference each January, and once again Blue Fish Radio was please to be in attendance. Episode 383 includes short introductions by the various presenters, a summary of the work of Save the River in 2022, and update on the muskie fishing on the St. Lawrence, and news on the advocacy work to save Blind Bay. To watch the conference in its entirety visit the Save The River YouTube channel

Listen as Scottie Martin and I discuss the need to expand commercial fishing on Lake Ontario, the latest news about PFAS contamination of fish, and all the other fish and fishing Blue Fish Canada news recorded live on Canadian Fishing Network on January 30 2023.

Joanne and Kendle Dewey fish commercially on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte using hoops and traps. It’s a family profession that dates back four generations. The two chose to fish commercially even though both trained and worked as biologists, park interpreters at Sand Banks Provincial Park in the case of Joanne, and fisheries research in the case of Kendle. Despite all the challenges and risks associated with commercial fishing, it’s what they love. Joanne and Kendle speak with host Lawrence Gunther about the business, the challenges of fishing commercially on a lake that is changing continuously, and their hopes and concerns for the future of Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte’s commercial fishery on The Blue fish Radio Show.

Link below to listen as Scottie Martin and I discuss impacts of road salt on fish health live on Canadian Fishing Network along with all the fish and fishing highlights from the latest issue of the Blue Fish Canada news.

Blue Fish Radio’s Lawrence Gunther and Scottie Martin from Canadian Fishing Network discuss all the fish and fishing highlights from the Jan 9th issue of the Blue Fish news and more. The two also dive into the topic of whether people who poach pay the price. Link below to listen to Lawrence and Scottie live:

Scientists have discovered big data on the Fishbrain app and have used it to track the Spread of Invasive Species by anglers. Jessica Weir from the Ball State University and Nate Roman, Partnership Manager with Fishbrain, are Lawrence Gunther’s guests on The Blue Fish Radio Show. Learn how the data from 250,000 anglers and their over 4-million catch logs have been used to reveal invasive species super highways, and steps being taken by Fishbrain to better inform anglers about the spread of invasive species.

Listen to Blue Fish Radio’s Lawrence Gunther and Canadian Fishing Network’s Scottie Martin discuss the results of the Montreal Biodiversity agreement, and highlights from the December 19 2022 Blue Fish Canada news on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Lawrence Gunther and Scottie Martin are back to talk about the Blue Fish News for Dec 12 on Canadian Fishing Network Monday night FB Live

Lawrence Gunther and Scottie Martin talk about the Blue Fish News for Nov. 28 2022 on Canadian Fishing Network Monday night FB Live!

The ethic and conservation aspects of returning fishes alive is a quickly growing and evolving topic among recreational anglers around the world. With so many changes on how we handle fishes, we reached out to professional angler, TV host, podcaster and former guide and tournament angler Tom Rowland. Tom fishes all over the world, but his base of operations is southern Florida known for some of the best marine recreational fisheries in North America. Listen to what Tom has to say about advances in catch-and-release fishing on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Oceana Canada believes that if managed properly, the ocean could sustainably supply the world’s population with sustainably harvested wild fish. Ensuring Canada is doing its part is their mandate and the theme of their recent symposium “ Rebuilding Abundance”. Over 140 experts and stakeholders met to discuss Canada’s potential, opportunities and needed investments. An invitation and professional Curiosity about how all this might apply to recreational fisheries led to my attending, and a subsequent conversation with Oceana’s Science Director Dr. Robert Rangeley. Check out this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show to hear Dr. Rangeley discuss what we learned and what needs to come next.

Dr. Chris Harvey Clark lives on Canada’s east coast where he studies, photographs and films marine life. After hurricane Fiona slammed into Atlantic Canada Blue Fish Radio reached out to Dr. Clark to hear first-hand what this epic storm meant for the fishes and their habitat. With so much destruction occurring on land, we seldom if ever hear what fishes experience, until now.



To order Dr. Chris Harvey Clark’s new book called “Maritime Marine Life”, an expose of colour photographs of marine life in their natural habitat, including a new expanded section on sharks, by emailing ChrisHarveyClark@Gmail.Com. The cost is $25 Cdn which includes postage anywhere in Canada.

Peter Krahn is a retired professional chemical/environmental engineer and the inventor of the River Trap, a mobile floating selective harvesting pacific salmon weir fishing technology. The system is now in its 3rd iteration and being pilot tested by three First Nations communities. It’s not the first time we have had Peter on The Blue Fish Radio Show. This time Peter speaks with host Lawrence Gunther about his participation in the Public Fishery Alliance two-day Pacific salmon fishing issues awareness program for area MPs. Link below to get caught up with the development of this new exciting “River Trap” technology, it’s connection with marked selective fisheries and salmon hatcheries, and what the MPs had to say about it all on The Blue fish Radio Show:

Tom Davis, Director with the Public Fishery Alliance, and Chris Bos, Chair of the south Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition, are our guests on this new episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show. With support from B.C. area anglers and guides the two were instrumental in organizing a two-day reality check for a group of MPs keen on learning more about the challenges and frustration impacting BC’s recreational Pacific salmon anglers. Link below to find out how the event went, and the numerous issues discussed:

Chief Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte speaks with Lawrence Gunther about his community’s historic connection to fish and fishing. Chief Maracle talks about recent past injustices that limited their rights to fish, and what needs to come next. Link below to hear Chief Maracle and Lawrence on The Blue Fish Radio show:

There are people who dedicate their time and personal resources to do amazing things for nature. Philip Ling is one such person. He’s hard at work converting a set of stone buildings from the 1800s located on the shore of the St. Lawrence River into a state-of-the-art research and training facility. More than that, he’s bringing together local and traditional knowledge and the best science has to offer to chart new paths to connect people to nature in sustainable and positive ways.

Link below to hear Philip Ling in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on The Blue fish Radio Show:

Michele Andrews is a co-founder of this recently-minted conservation NGO. Their programs extend the reach of the Maitland Tower project across Canada through innovative programs and collaborations. This includes a rally call to schools to take action to mitigate climate change.
Link below to hear Door #1 executive director Michele Andrews in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on The Blue fish Radio show:

John Peach is the executive director of Save the River and the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper. John has been a guest on Blue Fish Radio before, and we wanted to catch up on the many conservation activities his team has underway on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. I was especially interested to learn how Save the River collaborates with the Antique Boat Museum on safeguarding the health of the river.
Link below to hear John Peach and deputy director Lauren Egglestonin conversation with Lawrence Gunther on The Blue fish Radio Show:

The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton NY is the largest museum of its type in North America. Located on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, it features some of the finest wood pleasure boats created in the past 100 years. The museum’s executive director Rebecca Hopfinger and her chief curator generously provided me with a tour and answers to my many questions. Special thanks to John Peach for arranging the tour.
Link below to hear the executive director and the chief curator describe the many amazing antique boats at the Museum on the Blue fish Radio Show:

Mariko Izumi and husband Kevin Estrada join Lawrence Gunther on The Blue Fish Radio Show. The topic is their family’s decision to promote fishing on TV as an essential step to connect youth to nature in their new TV series “Instill the Catch”. Committed conservationists, both Mariko and Kevin are banking that TV viewers will discover that the rewards of getting your kids outdoors far outweigh the risks.

I speak with Navico’s VP of Sustainability Tara Norton about their sustainability commitments and many partnerships with non-profit organizations on conservation initiatives. I also speak with Ray Valley, founder and program manager of Navico’s BioBase clowd-based research program that enables researchers to quickly acquire detailed map and fisheries data. Navico makes BioBase free to researchers with Environmental agencies and universities along with reduced pricing on compatible Lowrance devices. Link below to hear my conversation with these two highly dedicated and committed conservationists on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

David Mills oversees salmon awareness campaigns for Watershed Watch Salmon society. He’s one busy guy as he attempts to attract federal attention to a pressing issue impacting B.C. salmon – the Alaskan interception fishery that would appear to be running amok. Listen in as David Mills speaks with Lawrence Gunther on The Blue fish Radio Show.

Lisa Morse is the Education Programs Manager with the International Game Fish Association, and our guest on the Blue Fish Radio Show. With Lisa’s support, Blue Fish Canada is the IGFA’s first Canadian partner chosen to help deliver the Passport to Fishing program for youth and their families and mentors. Learn all about the IGFA and their exciting youth programs on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Neil Dempster spent the last two years sorting through Fish Consumption Advisories for the Upper St. Lawrence River. His takeaways include important lessons for recreational anglers and indigenous fishers alike. Bottom line, until FCAs are no longer necessary, government has to improve transparency and public awareness, or we may have another tobacco-type health crisis on our hands. Hear what Neil has to say on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Sonia Strobel is the co-founder and CEO of Skipper Otto, a Community Supported Fishery based on Coast Salish territory in Vancouver, BC. Sonia was recently appointed to the Executive of the Local Catch Network, and serves as an Advisor for both the Fisheries for Communities Coalition and Slow Fish Canada. She is president of the Friends of Granville Island Society, a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and a business mentor with The Forum. We are excited to have Sonia as a guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show. We discuss the growing importance of CSFs as food insecurity increases across Canada and around the world causing people to seek out more reliable sources of truly sustainably caught seafood.

The Great Lakes Water Quality Board (WQB) of the International Joint Commission (IJC) recently released a report: Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Facilities in the Great Lakes Basin. Blue Fish Radio is pleased to have Gayle Wood,, Canadian Co-Chair of the GL Water Quality Board, as our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show. Gayle provides a first-hand overview of the report's findings and recommendations developed over four years to help ensure against major disasters and environmental loss.

A Win For Upper St. Lawrence River Muskie
Blue Fish Canada is pleased to introduce you to four of the advocates behind the push to end the development of Blind Bay on the Upper St. Lawrence River. Each tells their portion of the advocacy that successfully ended plans to commercially develop prime Muskie spawning habitat. Together Host Lawrence Gunther explores with the four guests what needs to come next.
Guests include:
John Peach, Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Save the River
Jeff Garnsey 3rd generation Muskie guide and Chair of Save The River
Dr. John Farrell, Professor of Aquatic and Fisheries Science & Director, Thousand Islands Biological Station
Jake Tibbles Executive Director Thousand Island Land Trust

Dr. Barrie Gilbert is a world renowned expert on animal behavior and advisor to Nature Canada, the NGO championing a new National Marine Conserved Area for Lake Ontario’s East Basin. On this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show Barrie explains that the NMCA would bring additional needed scientific research to the area, improve safeguards for fish habitat, and shine a light on the vastly under-utilized and bountiful fisheries in the area.

This podcast is a recording of a panel discussion I organized and hosted with the St. Lawrence River Institute for Environmental Science featuring virtual fishing tournament organizers, Fish biology researchers, and the inventor of the My Catch app. The five presentations take the first 30 minutes and is followed by a live Q/A session with the over 280 webinar participants who caught one of the two Facebook streams or YouTube stream. We drilled down on topics such as confidentiality, data protection, and how the app facilitates both fisheries research and tournament coordination.

In the summer of 2021 Blue Fish Canada submitted input on proposed changes to the Lake Nipissing recreational fishing regulations, and in January 2022 the new regs were released. Kim Tremblay is the Lake Nipissing Management Biologist for the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show where we discuss the new fishing regs, and the nation-to-nation fisheries collaboration and understanding between the Government of Ontario and Nipissing First Nation. Listen and learn what it takes to juggle competing interests when developing and updating the Lake Nipissing Management Plan. This podcast follows the episode featuring Chief Scott McLeod from Nipissing First Nation.

The Government of Ontario recognizes the Nipissing First Nation’s Chi-Naaknigewin (Constitution) and Fisheries Law, a first for Ontario. This recognition supports a new approach to fisheries management and nation-to-nation relationship building. Chief Scott McLeod of Nipissing First Nation is our guest on the Blue Fish Radio Show. Chief McLeod offers a brief historic and legal overview of their fishery, followed by a wide-ranging conversation that explores everything from the spring spear fishery, the catch-and-release recreational fisheries, and the responsibility that comes with modern fishing technologies.

Twice named by WIRED as Europe’s Hottest Startups, the Fishbrain angler app leads the pack in popularity. On this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show, Fishbrain’s founder and CEO Johan Attby dives deep into the software company’s mission, accomplishments, targets and challenges, including how Fishbrain applies artificial intelligence and social networking to fuel its exponential growth.

Brad Fenson has been an outdoor enthusiast and writer for over three decades. Through determination and hard work Brad continues to make his living by applying his craft. On this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show Brad offers advice on how to build a career as an outdoor communicator, and how he’s pivoted from writing exclusively, to become a producer of multi-media content such as his new “Harvest Your Own” podcast. Join us as we discuss the philosophy of harvesting your own on Blue Fish Radio.

Brett Kissel is young, hard working, a father of three, and has earned 22 Canadian Country Music Awards with his five albums, 15 top-ten hits and three number one songs on the radio. Brett is also the producer and host of Sportsman Canada TV’s new show Backwoods and Back Stage. Brett is our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show, and shares his thoughts on family, fishing and hunting, and how living life gives him the strength, motivation and experience to make an authentic living as an entertainer. He also has a lot to say about where we are heading and what it all means for nature.

Dr. Hannah Harrison from the University of Guelph shares her learnings gained through numerous interviews with commercial fishers during the past two years. Dr. Harrison shares her insights on where community supported fisheries are now, and what we the public need to do to ensure these artisanal fishers have the respect and support essential to their continued operations such as working waterfronts. We also discuss what it takes to resolve resource sharing conflicts – all this and more on The Blue fish Radio Show.

In November 2021 Dr. Chris Harvey-Clark was diving with a colleague at the mouth of Halifax harbor when they encountered a 3-meter Great White shark. The shark made a number of passes before the two divers were able to reach the surface and board their dive boat. Chris is a regular diver and marine ecosystem expert with Dalhousie University, but the encounter still caught him by surprise. Chris shares details of the encounter and what the return of white sharks to Atlantic Canada may mean for the ecosystem, tourism, fish and fishing, on The Blue fish Radio Show

Dr. Steven Cooke is always on top of the latest trends with the science to ensure we anglers fine tune our practices to the betterment of fish. ON this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show Dr. Cooke shares research results concerning topics such as the post-release behavior of Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, hook removal best practices and things to avoid, and handling bass do’s and don’ts’s when ice fishing.

Dr. Andrew Trikes from the University of British Columbia and his research team at the Marine Mammal Research Unit just published their findings on Chinook salmon abundance specific to the foraging habits of both southern and northern resident Killer whales. The research results, published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, have caused people to re-think what may be causing southern residents to experience pour nutrition. Dr. Trites is our guest once again on The Blue Fish Radio Show, and we talk about the research and what other factors may be impacting southern resident Killer whales.

According to the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, recreational fishers are routinely violating the 400-metre protection buffers around Southern Resident killer whales. The Foundation is now calling for a complete end to recreational salmon fishing in southern B.C. Joining us again on The Blue Fish Radio Show is Chris Bos, Coordinator of a south Vancouver Island Chinook salmon hatchery, President of the South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition, and Director with the Public Fishery Alliance. Join Chris and I as we discuss the need for science-based precautionary conservation measures in the fight to save these whales and BC’s billion-dollar marine recreational fishery.

Dr. Michael Murray served as a senior biologist with the National Wildlife Federation for over 20 years. His knowledge of Great Lakes fish health and impacts of legacy and emerging toxins is tremendous, as is his experience in how different governments develop and implement fish consumption Advisories. In my role as Chair of the Great Lakes Fish Health Network, getting to meet and know Dr. Murray has been extremely helpful. More collaborations to come, but for now, it’s my honour to have Michael as a guest on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Watersheds Canada has taken shoreline restoration to new depths with their new “Fish Habitat Enhancement Toolkit”. The free Fish Habitat Enhancement Toolkit provides grassroots organizations and community groups with project guides, updated protocols, and accompanying videos to identify suitable sites and successfully enhance various types of fish habitat. Project materials include walleye spawning bed enhancement, in-water fish habitat enhancement with woody debris, and cold-water creek enhancement. Melissa Dakers, Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager with Watersheds Canada, discusses how her organization is partnering with groups across Canada to improve unseen natural fish habitat in lakes and rivers on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Pure Fishing’s General Manager of Canadian Operations, Rob Walton, is the new president of the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association and the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation. Listen to Rob’s conversation with Lawrence Gunther about the role of industry to support conservation, sponsor anglers, give voice to public fisheries across Canada, and promote the mental and physical health benefits of fishing to the ever-growing number of people learning to fish. Rob also speaks about on-going advocacy and public outreach initiatives on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Former Globe&Mail journalist Mark Hume recently penned a 4,000-word opinion piece that appeared in the Globe&Mail on June 12 2021 called “fish are caught in the middle of the catch-and-release debate”. It’s a brilliant examination of the history of angling, and why catch-and-release fishing is a justifiable and essential element of our conservation strategy. Mark is no stranger to exploring and sharing stories about fishing having written five books on nature with a 5th to come out later this fall. I reached out to Mark through a mutual friend, author and previous guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show, Bob Hooton. Link to hear my conversation with Mark as we discuss what prompted him to write the article, what groups are against catch-and-release fishing, and why we fish, on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

MP Bob Zimmer has spent the last year travelling throughout B.C. to meet and speak with public fishers about their access concerns. His videos documenting his consultations have been watched over 450,000 times. Clearly, public fishery access along the B.C. coast is a hot topic, and no wonder given that it generates $1.1 billion of economic activity spread out over numerous coastal communities. Link to hear MP Bob Zimmer speak about what he’s learned on The Blue Fish Radio show.

Brian Tutty spent 38 years as a biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the vast majority of which was spent on Canada’s west coast. Brian still consults on public fisheries related matters some 13 years since. I asked Brian if he could give Blue Fish Radio listeners a review of decisions taken or not over the past 50 years that led to where we are today. What I learned was startling, but should not have come as a surprise. Link below to hear Brian Tutty’s reflections on how values about wild fish changed over the years, and why we need to turn to local and indigenous round tables at the local level if wild salmon are to recover on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Lawrence Gunther asks conservationists and anglers their opinion about the recent federal $647 million Pacific salmon restoration fund. Aaron Hill from Watershed Watch Salmon Society and Tom Davis from the Public Fishery Alliance share their misgivings and expectations. Link below to listen to these back-to-back interviews and hear their many shared and unique concerns on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Jamie Howard from Howard Films recently released a three-part video series called “Running the Coast”. It took Jamie over four years of filming to document Striped Bass along North America’s east coast, and the people who seasonally celebrate these iconic fish throughout their journey. Filming also led Jamie on his own path of discovery as he came to learn that the future of Striped Bass is not a certainty. Jamie Howard is my guest on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Eline Kelsey is the host of Hakai Magazine’s new five-part Sound aquatic Podcast. The series reflects growing interest around the world about how aquatic and marine animals communicate, navigate, hunt and avoid danger using sound. Water is five-times more efficient at transmitting sound, but has many limits on how light is transmitted. Elin is my guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show, and provided the different marine sounds we include in the podcast.

Blue Fish Radio invites Dave Brown back from the BC Public Fishery Alliance to discuss recent DFO reports related to gillnet fisheries and endangered B.C. steelhead. Newly released internal government documents shed new light on Just how crucial decisions are being made about these fisheries and the future of steelhead. Link Below for details and analysis of the reports and what it all means on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

There are anglers interested in taking their love of recreational fishing to the next level by working with the fishing industry. Whether it’s to secure the support and recognition as a tournament competitor, or to promote their favorite brands to other recreational anglers, the industry is looking for people that can give back to the sport in numerous ways. Thankfully, there are people like Angie Thompson who have transitioned from working directly in the fishing industry, to advising those who are looking to gain the industry’s support. Angie speaks about the epic influences that have radically changed the way fishing is promoted on this episode of The Blue fish Radio Show.

Angie Scott hosts the Woman Angler & Adventurer podcast to share her passion for fishing and inspire women to pursue outdoor adventures. Having grown up fishing in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”, she now resides in Nashville living aboard her houseboat on Percy Priest Lake. I asked Angie to be a guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show, in part because we both share a passion for adventuring in our truck campers, but more importantly, to discuss her mission to give voice to others while promoting responsible recreational angling. Link below to hear how Angie Scott has grown a large and loyal audience throughout the US:

Abigale Culberson and her team from the University of New Brunswick recently conducted a series of studies to assess the Muskie population in the Saint John River, and their sustainability based on current and potential fishing pressure. The model they created reveals a 30% annual mortality rate for these non-native fish, a level anticipated to increase as fishing pressure rises. Link below to hear Abigale on The Blue fish Radio speak about the research and her team’s concerns over existing Muskie fishing regulations:

Dr. Alexandra Morton has dedicated her life to researching and understanding B.C.'s complex and interconnected coastal ecosystems. Dr. Morton’s new book “Not On My Watch” chronicles her effort and ultimate fight to get the truth out about the ruinous impacts of open pen salmon farming on wild pacific salmon. Her commitment to conduct science in the face of overwhelming opposition, and to speak truth to those in power bent on silencing her voice, is not only turning the page on an exploitative and destructive industry, but serves as a shining example of what it means to put nature first. Link below to hear Alexandra Morton discuss what she’s sacrificed personally and professionally to protect wild salmon on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Mr. Todd Sellers is the Executive Director of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. Over the past 15 years the Foundation, under Todd’s leadership, has put Lake of the Woods on the map to gain the attention required to document and reverse a number of troubling trends. A lake that crosses international borders, touches two provinces and one State, and measures 100 km in width and 160 km in length, it’s known as the jewel of north-western Ontario. Link below to hear how this remote lake is now the focus of numerous governments, international bodies, and a vocal stakeholder community on The Blue Fish Radio Show:



To register for the April 14 Lake of the Woods workshops with Environment and Climate Change Canada and make your concerns known about water quality and fish health visit:

www.LOWWSF.com

To learn more about what ECCC is doing and to submit your own recommendations before the April 30 deadline visit:
www.placespeak.com/lakeofthewoods

Peter Krahn is a professional chemical/environmental engineer with 38 years experience specializing in forensic criminal environmental investigations. Now retired, Peter is developing a selective fishing technology for sustainably harvesting salmon and Steelhead to replace destructive gill nets. It supports scientific data collection, and supports selective harvesting, the removal of invasive fish species, and the release of wild fish. Listen to Peter Krahn and Dave Brown from the Public Fishery Alliance on The Blue Fish Radio Show talk with host Lawrence Gunther

Kevin Estrada is the owner of Sturgeon Slayers guided fishing in B.C. with a focus on “Catch, record, release”. Kevin leadership on Sturgeon conservation includes his championing the first ever Parliamentary bill on sturgeon that called for transitioning from gill nets to sustainable harvesting. Kevin also leads a citizen science initiative to tag and track juvenal Sturgeon, which now includes high school students. Link below to hear Kevin speak about his passion and work to conserve Fraser River Sturgeon on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

In a recent IJC report, “Assessing Progress: Climate change and algal blooms in Lake Superior”, Dr. Jay Austin, University of Minnesota’s Duluth Large Lakes Observatory, says “Lake Superior is one of the fastest-changing lakes in the world”. Dr. Austin knows this because he and his team have been measuring just how fast summer lake water temperature is warming, the decrease in duration of winter ice cover, and the increase in blue-green algal blooms. And, in 2016, 2017 and 2018, the number and intensity of storms causing erosion and shoreline infrastructure destruction. According to the IJC, “the high resource value of Lake Superior needs to be protected to maintain public trust that important resources can be saved”.

Link below to hear Dr. Austin discuss his research with editor Lawrence Gunther on The Blue Fish Radio Show, and why Lake Superior serves as an ideal model for measuring climate change impacts

Oceans are warming, fish are moving, so what can Canada’s Ocean Tracking Network tell us? We speak with dr. Frederick Whoriskey of Dalhousie University and the Executive Director of the Ocean Tracking Network. From Atlantic Salmon and Arctic Char, to Greenland and Great White sharks, and more, we find out how Canada’s east coast fish species are faring, and why Striped Bass are on the rise. Link below to hear dr. Whoriskey on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

One health recognizes that every action taken in nature generates a reaction, that we need to be healthy to fully appreciate nature, and that we are dependent on nature for our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
https://bluefishcanada.ca/blue-fish-news-january-13th-2021/

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters works hard to inform outdoor anglers and hunters about outdoor opportunities and restrictions. Mr. Mark Ryckman, Manager of Policy at the OFAH, speaks with Lawrence Gunther about the challenges in 2020 and this new round of stay-at-home restrictions. It’s not all bad news thanks to strong advocacy by the OFAH to keep Ontario fishing. Link below to hear Mark discuss what was learned in 2020, and how anglers are having to pivot once again:
The OFAH reached out to government officials to seek additional clarity and confirmed that fishing and hunting activities remain permitted, so long as they are consistent with public health guidelines. The OFAH is committed to sharing updates to ensure anglers and hunters are well informed. You can find out more details at www.ofah.org/covid19.

Dr. Steven Cooke and his Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory at Carleton University recently completed a survey called, “Covid-19 restrictions and recreational fisheries in Ontario”. Understanding how people engaged in outdoor activities such as angling during a pandemic is crucial to learning more about the “one-health” relationship people have with nature. Link below to hear Dr. Steven Cooke in conversation with Lawrence Gunther about the take-aways from the survey on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show:
https://twitter.com/sjc_fishy/status/1340281204982091778?s=21

Krystyn Tully, co-founder of Swim Drink Fish Canada, is our feature guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show. After nearly 20 years with the organization, Krystyn has decided to transition into the next phase of her career as an environmentalist. Krystyn shares her insights, advice, concerns, and hopes for Canada’s environmental movement. Link below to hear Krystyn Tully in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Much like North America, Africa too has its own Great Lakes. The African Centre for Aquatic Research and Education Collaborates with freshwater experts around the world to address the challenges facing Africa’s Great Lakes. Turns out they too are wrestling with many of the same challenges we are here in North America. Link below to hear ACARE’s CEO Dr. TED Lawrence discuss with Lawrence Gunther Africa’s Great Lakes, ACARE’s knowledge transfer goals, and why an African aquatic safari should be on everyone’s bucket list on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show:

The new book, “Days of Rivers Past” is loaded with stories and photos chronicling the glory days of Steelhead fishing along B.C.’s coast. The author Robert Hooton is a now-retired 37-year career biologist with the B.C. government and avid Steelhead angler and is the featured guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show. Bob explains how the start of his career was tempered with a cautionary tail by the fishing sage Roderick Haig Brown, and how it led to Bob’s carefully chronicling his angling experiences over the past 45 years. Bob shares his passion, concern and collective wisdom that every angler needs to hear to ensure the future of fish and fishing. Link below to Listen to Robert Hooton in conversation with Lawrence Gunther:

Dr. John Dettmers with the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission Recently published an article about sport fish in the Great Lakes called “Whether to Manage for Economics or the Ecosystem?”. I reached out to Dr. Dettmers to be a guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show as it was clear he held another important piece of the Great Lakes fisheries puzzle. In short, what is the role, history, status and future of prey fish , mainly Alewife, Smelt and Cisco, and what does this mean for the salmon and other sportfish? Link below to hear Dr. John Dettmers on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Dennis Zimmermann of Big Fish Little Fish Consultants located in White Horse YT speaks with Lawrence Gunther about community interests and values, and catch and release fishing in the Yukon Territories. Denis also reveals his favorite Yukon fish species to pursue and fishing locations. Link below to hear Denis Zimmerman week on Blue Fish Radio:

Iron Maiden from the UK, formed in 1975, is one of the world’s most epic heavy metal rock groups having over 100 million record sales. Adrian Smith, Iron Maiden's lead guitarist and self professed Compulsive Angler has been keeping busy over the past year writing a book about his fishing adventures around the world, including numerous stories about his 30-year career with Iron Maiden, called Monsters of River and Rock. Link below to hear Adrian Smith speak with Lawrence Gunther about his new book on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Dr. Chris Somers is the scientist / angler behind the Saskatchewan Sportfish Research Group that focusses on what fish do after we let them go. Dr. Somers tags and tracks Walleye, Northern Pike, Burbot and Common Carp year-round. Dr. Somers discusses fish behavior and welfare, and his favorite outdoor fishing spots in Saskatchewan this week on Blue Fish Radio.

For every Great Lake except Lake Erie, there is an observed decrease in the fish populations caught in offshore waters. A new report from the International Joint Commission (IJC) looks at the decline in fish populations in the offshore regions of Lakes Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Superior.
Link below to hear senior IJC scientist Dr. Joseph DePinto explain to Lawrence Gunther why the IJC is calling for water quality and fish health agencies to form a Multi-agency cooperative ecosystem monitoring and modeling advisory committee to address the potential collapse of great lakes fish stocks:
Link below to read the IJC report
https://ijc.org/en/sab/understanding-declining-productivity-offshore-regions-great-lakes?utm_source=All+Contacts+and+Stakeholders&utm_campaign=afb399fbbf-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_07_30_04_10_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_12843f1e16-afb399fbrt, “Understanding Declining Productivity in the Offshore Regions of the Great Lakes” in which they describe how the problem started with invasive zebra and quaga muscles:bf-1223860975&mc_cid=afb399fbbf&mc_eid=cf58f5b8bc

In 1975 while paddling the Fraser River Mark Angelo imagined a world that included paying respect to rivers and the life they represent. Over many years and with the assistance of countless others, Mark’s dream eventually lead to the United Nations declaring World Rivers Day – one Canadian’s dream now celebrated in over 100 countries. Link below to hear Mark Angelo in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on the importance of the relationship anglers, paddlers and so many others have with their favorite rivers, which Canadian rivers need to be on your bucket list, tips on selecting the right river adventure equipment, and how people of all interests and backgrounds have come together to celebrate and give back to the rivers that meant so much to generations of people over the centuries on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Link below to view the trailer to Mark Angelo’s new documentary “Last Paddle” due to start its international film festival run in January 2021
http://lastpaddle.com/ ).

Research scientist Leigh McGaughey from the St. Lawrence Institute for Environmental Science is our guest today on Blue Fish Radio. Two years ago we first heard from Leighwhen she launched the Great River Rapport initiative with the goal of collecting data and local knowledge about the health of the St. Lawrence River. Leigh is joining us again to let us know how the project is unfolding, and the crucial roles anglers, indigenous fishers, conservationists and scientists have in creating this remarkably comprehensive collection of historic and current data and knowledge. Link below to hear Leigh in conversation with Lawrence on Blue Fish Radio.
For more about the Great River Rapport visit:
https://www.riverinstitute.ca/riverrapport/
For more information and how to register for the free River Symposium visit:
https://symposium.riverinstitute.ca/
September 27th is World River's Day. Join people in Canada and around the world as we celebrate our life-giving rivers. Organize an event in your community or attend one!

Think you know everything you need to know about carp? Curious to learn what the status is regarding invasive carp and the Great Lakes? Can you tell the difference between a Grass Carp and a Common Carp? Our guest on Blue Fish Radio has all the answers and so much more! He’s Brook Schryer, Aquatic Program Specialist with the Invading Species Awareness Program. Link below to get informed about the latest news every angler should know and why, on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
For more about the Invading Species Program or their on-line reporting and tracking map database visit
www.invadingspecies.com as well as www.EDDMapS.org/Ontario

Dr. Sean Landsman is with the Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science at Carleton University, and is a serious Muskie angler. Sean is our guest on Blue Fish Radio for a two part series where we discuss the linkage between fish health, and dams and their fish passage systems. In this 2nd and final installment Dr. Landsman explains the different fish passage systems adopted to move fish around dams, their strengths and weaknesses, and why alternative solutions may be preferable such as removal of dams when possible.

Link below to hear Dr. Landsman speak with Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish Radio:

Sean Landsman is also a professional photographer. His work focuses on science communications, and general nature imagery, with a special interest in underwater storytelling. He’s passionate about using still photography as a visual communication tool to educate the public about nature, and is especially interested in teaching people about the aquatic world and helping foster greater care and appreciation for life beneath the water's surface. For more about Sean and access his photos visit:
www.seanlandsmanphotography.com

Dr. Sean Landsman teaches at the Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science at Carleton University, and is a serious Muskie angler. Sean is our guest on Blue Fish Radio for a two part series where we discuss the linkage between fish health, and dams and their fish passage systems. IN part one of this two part series Dr. Landsman discusses with Lawrence Gunther hydro and legacy dams, the movement of fish past dams in both directions, and why it makes sense to remove most smaller legacy dams. Link below for part one on Blue Fish Radio:
Sean Landsman is also a professional photographer. His work focuses on science communications, and general nature imagery, with a special interest in underwater storytelling. He’s passionate about using still photography as a visual communication tool to educate the public about nature, and is especially interested in teaching people about the aquatic world and helping foster greater care and appreciation for life beneath the water's surface. For more about Sean and to access his photos visit:
www.seanlandsmanphotography.com

Mr. Mike Schenk is the 2020 recipient of lifetime achievement awards from both the Ontario Conservation Officer Association and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Blue Fish Radio host Lawrence Gunther speaks with Schenk about his career, what attracted him to the profession, and what he says to young people considering a career in the outdoors. Mike and Lawrence also reflect on their shared fishing and hunting experiences growing up together in Georgetown Ontario.

IN Part I with Greg Taylor from Fish First Consulting we spoke about DFO’s absence of fisheries research and their inability to manage to make sure both enough salmon reach spawning grounds, and keeping fishers on the water informed to ensure sustainable fishing is taking place. In Part II Blue Fish Radio presents Taylor’s strategy for moving forward with stakeholders to assume greater responsibility for setting fisheries related decisions and to identify gaps in research. Link below to learn more about the proposed B.C. salmon fisheries management strategy to be released this fall.

Greg Taylor from Fish First Consulting is our guest this week and next on Blue Fish Radio. In part I Greg talks to us about the state of salmon stocks and research along Canada’s west coast, and why DFO seems to be grasping at straws when it comes to managing Fraser River salmon fisheries. Listen to Greg talk about why DFO needs to adopt salmon recovery initiatives and to respect recreational fishing interests on this episode of Blue Fish Radio

Bob Cole is part of (and a founding member) of the west coast’s most successful fisheries round table. The Port Alberni and Area 23 round table involves all fishery stakeholders. Their collective decision taking model has meant sustainable salmon numbers and equitable access to stocks for all concerned. Listen as Bob speaks with Lawrence Gunther about the successes and challenges of the round table, and how it can serve as a management model for the rest of B.C. on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

Port Alberni salmon stakeholders include local and area First Nations, two of the three commercial sectors ( Area B Seine and Area gillnetters), plus the Somass bands Economic Opportunity fishers, the West Coast Aquatic Stewardship Association, processors, environmental groups, and DFO and their Robertson Creek hatchery (the largest DFO production hatchery on the West Coast). The cooperative model has developed tables and parameters that include environmental conditions, Fish fecundity, social and economic benefits as well as managing water levels with the local dams for the benefit of fish migration. It’s meant fish stock abundance and open fisheries. The round table meets 2-3 times for full day sessions in the off season, and meets weekly to take Fishery management decisions in season.

Jeff Wilson, the man behind the Miramichi River Striper Cup, is now championing a new fishing tournament, the Atlantic Angler Challenge. Jeff has teamed up with professor Trevor Avery from Acadia University and CEO Sean Simmons from Angler Atlas to make this tournament both a competitive event with great prizes, and a citizen science project designed to advance fisheries management. Listen as Jeff explains to Lawrence Gunther how he’s recruiting anglers and sponsors to be part of a revolutionary recreational fishing event taking place throughout all four Atlantic Canadian provinces.

Professor Trevor Avery teaches and conducts fisheries research out of Acadia University in Nova Scotia. More recently he’s teamed up with Jeff Wilson of the Striper Cup and Sean Simmons of Anglers Atlas to form a ground-breaking recreational fisheries research initiative called the Atlantic Anglers Challenge. The initiative rewards anglers to download and use the MyCatch app to track and report their angling pressure and success. Listen as professor Avery shares with Lawrence Gunther his rationale and expectations for the research that is now taking place across all four Atlantic provinces on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link here:
Trevor Avery is an Associate Professor, Biology and Mathematics & Statistics, at Acadia University. The Atlantic Anglers Challenge is a multi-species, multi-season tournament and Covid-19 fundraiser. It uses MyCatch to record anglers catches including fish size, location, and time fishing. Anglers are introduced to Angler's Atlas, an online database for their fishing days, and the data is used by researchers to answer questions on fish biology and fisheries science. Fish biology questions might be where species are found, including discovery of invasive species, color patterns, and sizes. Fisheries science questions might include estimating relative catches based on effort fishing (known as catch-per-unit-effort) and size distribution. In all cases, a tournament designed partly with fish diversity in mind, such as all species and all sizes count, instead of just the largest or most fish provides much more data to researchers to investigate fish. Link below for more information about the research.

David Brown received the highest honor Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans can bestow to a recreational angler for his work on restoring West Coast salmon. Now Dave has taken it to the next level with his formation of the Public Fishery Alliance and a protest in front of DFO’s Vancouver office. Link below to hear David in Conversation with Lawrence Gunther immediately following the protest on Blue Fish Radio:

David Chong is one of Canada’s top professional bass anglers fishing upwards of 50 tournaments a year. He’s one of a very few that is actually making a living in the fishing industry through tournament wins, sponsorships, and as a representative of leading tackle companies. We check in with Dave to find out the highs and lows of professional angling during the pandemic on Blue Fish Radio.

Scottie Martin is the host and driving force behind the wildly successful Canadian Fishing Network. With close to 11,000 followers on Facebook, and another successful edition of the national fishing “Fish-Off” tournament led by Michael Consul now under their belts, the virtual fishing platform shows no signs of slowing. It truly is a grass-roots Phenomenon. Scottie and Mike join Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
#familyfishingweekend #keepcanadafishing

Across southern Ontario bass fishing seasons are beginning to open up. Bass anglers look forward to this moment all year, especially those who are hooked on fishing tournaments. The Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation is one of the biggest competitive bass tournament organizations in Ontario with over 800 members, and their executive have been working overtime to figure out how to hold bass fishing tournaments without putting their members or the resource at risk. Link below to hear Jason Barnucz from OBN speak with Lawrence Gunther about the good news and the bad for the 2020 bass fishing season on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

Blue Fish Radio reached out to the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission’s Bob Lambe, Executive Director, and Marc Gaden, Communications Director and Legislative Liaison, to hear first-hand about their experience as one of the five “collaborators” with the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Collaborative. The Collaborative just released its ten-year action plan focusing on addressing shoreline erosion, outdated infrastructure, exposure to toxins, and beach contamination. The Plan comes with a $2.2 Billion price tag. Link below and find out from Bob and Mark how implementation of the Plan will improve fish health and fishing:
Link below to read the final report from the Collaborative
https://westbrookpa.com/glslcollab/

n 2017 Blue Fish Canada organized a half-day focus on fish health and fish consumption as part of the St. Lawrence River Institute for Environmental Studies Annual research and policy symposium. In attendance was Dr. Laurie Chan, Canadian co-chair of the IJC Health Professionals Advisory Board, and a University of Ottawa Professor and Canada Research Chair in Toxicology and Environmental Health. Good news, the International Joint Commission just announced the formation of a Fish Consumption Advisory Project with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and Dr. Chan is Co-Chairing the initiative! The initiative represents a first step to better understand the role of fish consumption advisories and what catching and consuming fish in the Great Lakes Basin and St. Lawrence River means to the socio-economic sustainability of shoreline communities. Link below to hear Dr. Chan discuss the new IJC initiative with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue fish Radio.

Westslope Cut Throat Trout, bull trout and Athabasca rainbow trout are native trout species found in Alberta that now need our help. Protecting these native species and the diversity they represent is crucial if we are to avoid a country populated solely with the same non-native trout species introduced through fish stocking programs during the 1900’s. The Alberta Conservation Association get’s this and so does the Alberta Government, numerous conservation groups and the anglers themselves. Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther in conversation with senior ACA biologist Mike Rodtka as they discuss the many challenges ahead on Blue Fish Radio.

The Alberta Native Trout Restoration Program includes The Alberta Conservation Association, Cows and Fish, Trout Unlimited Canada, Foothills Research Institute, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Alberta Government. The Program entails: fish habitat improvements, a north Central Native Trout Recovery Program, a roadway Watercourse Crossing Remediation Initiative, a Westslope Cutthroat Trout Recovery Program, and a Whirling Disease detection, education and mitigation strategies. For more about the recovery program visit:
https://www.alberta.ca/native-trout-recovery-program-overview.aspx

For more about the Alberta Conservation Authority visit:
https://www.ab-conservation.com

Stephen Hume has fished and written professionally about fishing, fish and Canada’s west coast for 27 years with the Vancouver Sun and much more than that. He’s not shy to call things the way he sees them, and made a good living for well over 30 years putting his words on paper and teaching others to do the same. . Link below to hear Stephen Hume in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link below to read Mr. Stephen Hume’s recently published letter, “: Old enough to know what’s been lost in B.C. salmon”:
https://www.thefreepress.ca/opinion/letter-old-enough-to-know-whats-been-lost-in-b-c-salmon/

In this final installment of our interview with Jeremy Wade from the River Monster series, we dive deeper into what it takes to produce the magical moments Jeremy has been creating to inform and entertain mainstream TV viewers for over 15 years. We also explore Jeremy’s books and his role as an international fish art competition judge. Find out what makes Jeremy tick, and why anglers – and especially youth – are embracing Jeremy’s thirst for adventure and insatiable curiosity to seek out and reveal the underwater freshwater animals that we call fish and which we know so little about. Link below to hear Jeremy in conversation with host Lawrence Gunther on this final installment of this 2-part Blue Fish Radio Giants of the Fishing World special.

Jeremy Wade is UK’s “Sherlock Holmes” of angling. His magical blend of solving underwater mysteries through careful planning, local knowledge and a hook-and-line has been capturing the imagination of viewers for over 15 years starting with his world renowned series “River Monsters”. It’s a return to the origins of the true spirit of angling that’s inspiring the next generation of curious and conservation minded anglers. Link below to hear Jeremy in conversation with host Lawrence Gunther on this first of this two part Blue Fish Radio installment in the series “Giants of the Fishing Industry”.
Link below to watch a February 2020 video of Jeremy catching a 256lb Lau Lau, also known as the man-eating monster of Guyana.
http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...

Once again St. Lawrence River Muskie are in decline. Research conducted on 200 known Muskie spawning beds located throughout the St. Lawrence have failed to come up with any “young of the year” Muskie, and Northern Pike are faring no better. Ottawa River Muskie Factory owner and guide John Anderson recently published an article summarizing what we know from anglers and scientists, and has put out a call for action. Link below to hear John Anderson in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link below to read John Anderson’s article “The Death of the St. Lawrence Musky Fishery”:
https://bluefishcanada.ca/the-death-of-the-st-lawrence-musky-fishery/
Link below for ten Blue Fish Sustainable Catch-and-Release Muskie Fishing Tips -- fact checked by our science and angler advisors:
https://bluefishcanada.ca/resources/blue-fish-sustainable-fishing-tips/

In June 2019 a landslide struck a remote rugged canyon of the Fraser River north of Lillooet BC. Huge pieces of rock and significant debris sheared off a 125-meter cliff, crashing into the river and creating a 5 meter high waterfall. The magnitude of the obstruction impeded migrating salmon from reaching their spawning beds. What’s been happening since may go down as one of the greatest emergency responses on behalf of wild salmon anywhere in the world.
Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther in Conversation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s director, Gwil Roberts, responsible for restoring passage for migrating Fraser River salmon on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

The B.C. government and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have issued advisories to west coast anglers on how to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, for the second year in a row, most all Chinook salmon recreational fisheries are non-retention only throughout southern B.C. Link below to hear west coast angler Brian Braidwood discuss with Lawrence Gunther what anglers are doing to stay safe, and how they are seeking to have rules changed to allow for the retention of hatchery Chinook salmon on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Link below to read the April 7 advisory on recreational fishing issued by the B.C. government and endorsed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-
hunting/fishing-and-hunting-covid-19-updates

Dr. Steven Cooke teaches Fish ecology and conservation at Carleton University and runs the Cooke Lab. He’s also now one of a handful of international representatives selected to develop a Freshwater action plan designed to reverse the world-wide decline in freshwater biodiversity now on track to be at “code red” in 10-15 years.
Link below to hear Dr. Cooke in conversation with Lawrence Gunther about the 6-step program being proposed to ensure the planet’s freshwater biodiversity reverses its present 40-year decline on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Dr. Steven Cooke has diverse interests in integrative biology, conservation science, and natural resource management. His work spans the natural and social sciences with a particular focus on developing solutions to problems facing fish and other aquatic organisms. Specific projects of late have focused on issues and topics such as fish migration, fish-hydropower interactions, the sustainability of recreational fisheries, aquatic habitat restoration, the movement ecology of fish, the ecology of stress in wild fish, and winter biology.
Link below for more about the work of Dr. Steven Cooke and the Cooke Lab:
https://carleton.ca/biology/people/steven-j-cooke/

Dr. Bruce Tufts is a leader in researching and conducting field studies of bass in Ontario. It’s because of his research the government of Ontario is now conducting consultations over whether to change some of the fundamental rules concerning the capture and harvest of both Smallmouth and Largemouth bass in Lake Ontario and the Upper St. Lawrence (FM Zone 20).
Link below to learn about Dr. Tufts’ latest research and the government’s range of proposed changes on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Send your comments by March 31 to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on proposed changes to FM Zone 20 early season angling options for bass to:
FMZ20@ontario.ca

Link below for more about the research being undertaken by Dr. Bruce Tufts and his researchers at his Freshwater Fisheries Conservation Lab at Queen’s University:
WWW.TuftsLab.com

Watersheds Canada’s Natural Edge Program has teamed up with Quinte Conservation to take on naturalizing one mighty long Bay of Quinte shoreline and related watershed. Their 3-year Natural Edge program goal is to naturalize the shores of farms, parks, cottages and homes.
Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther in conversation with Chloe Lajoie, Natural Edge Program Manager for Watersheds Canada, and Maya Navrot, Education and Stewardship Coordinator with Quinte Conservation on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

Recently news broke about the full extent of the raw sewage releases occurring across Canada thanks to a new transparency initiative by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. While the numbers may seem beyond be leaf, never mind comprehensible, there is evidence that this great big ship we call Canada is attempting to make a course correction.

Link below to hear what Mark Mattson, Co-Director of Swim Drink Fish Canada and the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, has to say about raw sewage and all the rest that’s impacting our water quality and fish health on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Link to a recent article on sewage pollution published by Swim Drink Fish Canada’s Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator, Elise Mackie.

The Miramichi River Striped Bass Cup is now considered to be one of the largest competitive fishing events in Canada. It reached this level relatively quickly thanks to a rebounding Striped Bass population. Even though they are a native fish species, there are some who would rather have their numbers reduced significantly to protect Atlantic salmon, another native fish species only this one is not recovering.
Link below for a Blue fish Radio up-date from Jeff Wilson on the latest in this high-stakes battle over whether Striped Bass will take the fall for Atlantic salmon.

Salmon traditionally found in the Pacific ocean, such as Sockeye, Pink and Chum, (less-so Coho and Chinook), are now entering the Arctic Ocean in greater numbers each year. So much so that it’s triggered research by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Salmon are now being caught and submitted by local fishers for examination by DFO researchers. So many samples were submitted in 2019 that the research team decided to prepare a cookbook so those living in Canada’s Arctic can better take advantage of this new bounty.
Link below to hear DFO researcher Dr. Karen Dunmall in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish Radio:
Link below for more about the Arctic Salmon research project:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karen_Dunmall

As part of our “Giants in the Fishing Industry” series, we are pleased to present Italo Labignan. Italo has been a fixture in the fishing media for 35 years with his TV program Canadian Sportfishing, and has recently expanded his offerings to include even more ways of showcasing just how meaningful it is to connect with nature through fishing.
Link below to hear Italo Labignan in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

While covering the 2-day Nature-based Climate Solutions Summit earlier this month, I sat in on the discussion on wetlands. Dr. David Brown from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, who we had as a guest on Blue Fish Radio before, was one of the panelists. Dr. Brown spoke about the important role shoreline and coastal wetlands play in providing habitat for fish. Naturally, I immediately added David to the top of my list of Summit participants for a follow-up call.
Link below to hear Dr. David Brown from the CWF speak about challenges facing Canada’s shoreline and coastal wetlands on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link below for more about the research work being carried out by Dr. David Brown and his colleagues at the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca | FederationCanadiannedelaFaune.ca

St. Lawrence River Muskie were hit hard by a virus that killed many of the large breeders in the mid-2000’s. Dr John Farrell and PhD candidate Anna Conklyn from the Thousand Islands Biological Station are part of a scientific research initiative that is exploring the link between Round Gobies and the spread of yet another virus that is impacting Muskie in areas of the St. Lawrence River yet again.

Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther in conversation with these two experts on what we know and what’s being done to address the virus being spread to Muskie by invasive Round Gobies on Blue Fish Radio.
Link below for more about Dr John Farrell and PhD candidate Anna Conklyn and their research underway at the Thousand Islands Biological Station
www.esf.edu/tibs

The America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act is moving closer to becoming law. What does it mean and how does it affect Canada such as keeping invasive carp out of the Great Lakes? What about lead fishing tackle? The American Sportfishing Association says the Act is a positive development for the U.S. $125 billion recreational fishing economy that supports over 800,000 jobs. The National Wildlife Federation is also supports the ACT --– or at least mostly.
Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther speak with Collin O’Mara, CEO and President of the National Wildlife Federation, to gain perspective about the ACE Act and recent Clean Water Act rollbacks on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Link below for more about the ACE Act and what the American Sportfishing Association has to say:
https://asafishing.org/advocacy/recreational-fishing-wins-bipartisan-support-from-u-s-senate-committee/
Link below for the NWF’s position on the recently announced US Clean Water Act rollback:
https://www.nwf.org/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2020/01-23-20-Clean-Water-Act

FB: The Miramichi Salmon Association is one of several groups looking to eradicate invasive Smallmouth bass from the Miramichi Lake and River. This New Brunswick watershed was once home to world record runs of Atlantic Salmon, now considered to be well below conservation levels. The Smallmouth are viewed as a significant threat to the rebuilding efforts of Atlantic Salmon stocks.

Link below to here Mark Hambrook from the Miramichi Salmon Association explain how they propose to use Rotenone to poisen the Smallmouth bass in the Miramichi on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
For more information about the Miramichi Salmon Association and their fight to save Atlantic Salmon visit:
https://miramichisalmon.ca/

Fishing is great, but not when you’re in pain. Just look at Big Jim McLaughlin for a fantastic example of how physical fitness can turn things around. In my case, I turned to Ottawa-area Dr. Pierre Brunet and head trainer Craig Adams at Studio One Personal Training. These gentlemen made fishing fun again. I’ve since learned of Travis Perret, owner of Exercise Therapy of Kansas City, who specializes in working with many of North America’s top anglers to address their pain relief and fitness training goals.
Link below to learn about common pain and fitness issues Travis encounters, how training helps, what anglers can do at home, and how perceptions of fitness in the sport of angling are changing on this week’s episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Following the winter closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway to ships in December 2019 and a spell of mild temperatures across the Lake Ontario basin, the International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board took action and set Lake Ontario outflows at unprecedented levels. The volume of water passing through the St. Lawrence River reached up to 10,700 cubic meters per second, higher than has ever previously been released in winter. This led to extreme low water conditions on stretches of the River above the Moses-Saunders Dam in Cornwall, and concern being expressed by anglers and others who live along the River that important habitat and aquatic life had been imperiled. A drop in air temperature has meant a reduction in flow levels to allow ice to form and stabilize; however, if mild weather returns this winter, the Board intends to increase outflows again as much and as soon as possible. Link below to hear professional angler Todd Beckstead speak with Lawrence Gunther about his first-hand experiences fishing on Lake Ontario during recent flood events, and how high out-flows at the Moses-Saunders Dam have impacted the Upper St. Lawrence River above the dam on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Henry Lickers is the first indigenous person to be named a Commissioner to the International Joint Commission. The IJC is responsible for the transboundary waters between Canada and the United States and has been successfully resolving water issues for over 100 years. Commissioner Lickers believes the IJC is committed to include the traditional knowledge of both indigenous nations and shoreline communities, and to apply science to inform precautionary measures, as the IJC fulfils their mission of informing Canada and the U.S. on issues such as resilience in the face of climate change. Link below to hear IJC Commissioner Henry Lickers share his perspectives on the precautionary approach and traditional knowledge with LawrenceGunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio

One of the leading proponents of transferring fish farms from the ocean to land, Eric Hobson has worked tirelessly to finance and build the Kuterra land-based closed-containment salmon farm in partnership with the Vancouver Island Namgis Nation. Hobson founded the Save Our Salmon Society and is a Director with the Watershed Watch Salmon Society. He’s personally raised many thousands of dollars for scientific investigations on open pen fish farming impacts and the support of court challenges.
Link below to hear Eric Hobson, the 2018 Haig-Brown Conservation Award winner, in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue fish Radio:





For more about Eric Hobson and his leadership on moving salmon farming on land visit:
https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2019/12/06/meet-the-business-elite-who-took-up-the-fight-to-get-fish-farms-out-of-bcs-water.html

Thousands of abandoned unnecessary dams are responsible for the overall deterioration of fish habitat across Canada. Add fish stocking to the equation, and it’s no wonder wild trout and other fish species are under pressure. Is it possible to go back in time to the way it was? What do anglers and fish biologists think about the idea of putting the wild back in our streams, creeks and rivers?
Link below to listen to a re-broadcast of an “Outside In” New Hampshire Public Radio podcast on stocking fish, damming rivers and wild trout this week on Blue Fish Radio

The Great Lakes have experienced far more than their fair share of toxic chemicals over the past 100-plus years. Persistent substances such as DDT, PCB and Mercury nearly killed several of the lakes in the 1980’s. Just when you think things are improving, you start hearing about new chemical threats.
Link below to hear John Jackson, Co-Chair of the Binational Toxic-Free Great Lakes Network, in conversation with Lawrence Gunther as they discuss what it takes to have a chemical nominated to become a candidate for study prior to being listed as a “chemical of mutual concern” on this week’s episode of Blue Fish Radio.
The below link takes you to a fact sheet on PFAS called "The Threat of PFAS: The Forever Chemicals."
https://cela.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/PFAS-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Ned Kehde is a retired university archivist, fishing guide and long-time outdoor writer who has helped fine-tune a phenomenal fish-catching system known today as the Ned Rig. Connecting hundreds of anglers across the continent, Ned’s online Finesse News Network features some of the most detailed fishing reports ever written.

Link to hear Ned share his 80 years of fishing wisdom with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:



Send Ned an email to have your name added to his Finesse News Network newsletter:

nkehde@ku.edu

Or, Catch Ned’s Midwest Finesse column on the In-Fisherman:
https://www.in-fisherman.com/listing/learn-midwest-finesse/83225.

On June 21, 2019 Canada modernized the Fisheries Act. Find out what it means for Canada’s recreational anglers. Chad Ziai is the Director of Engagement, Partnerships and Integrated Planning at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Link below to hear Chad discuss recreational fishing with Lawrence Gunther this week on Blue Fish Radio:
For more about the changes to the Fisheries Act link below:
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/fisheries-act-loi-sur-les-peches/index-eng.html
The DFO 2015 Survey of Recreational Fishing is a nationally-coordinated study providing the most comprehensive information on recreational fisheries activities and harvests in all regions of the country. It is also the only source of detailed statistics on the economic contributions made by anglers at both provincial/territorial and national levels.

Link below for the latest statistics on recreational fishing and the economic and social importance of recreational fisheries to Canada's provinces and territories:
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/stats/rec/canada-rec-eng.htm

Link below for more information about all things recreational fishing under the DFO’s jurisdiction:
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/recreational-recreative/index-eng.html

Ever wonder what data smartphone recreational fishing apps can collect automatically, or why they still include options for entering data manually? How are these apps changing the way we fish, now, and in the future?

Link below to here Lawrence Gunther in conversation with Paul Venturelli, one of the world’s leading experts on recreational fishing data collection, as they discuss the future of angler apps on this week’s episode of Blue Fish Radio:



Link below to read a recent report published by Paul Venturelli, Assistant Professor of Biology and Director of PhD in Environmental Sciences:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308689422_Angler_apps_as_a_source_of_recreational_fisheries_data_Opportunities_challenges_and_proposed_standards

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have teamed up with the YMCA and National Wildlife Federation to launch a new program “Outdoor Adventurers”. Geared towards kids from kindergarten to grade five, and focusing on city youth, the initiative will serve an important role in shaping the next generation of conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

Link below to hear Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, speak with Blue Fish Radio host Lawrence Gunther about the vital role the Outdoor Adventurers program will serve in providing kids with daily “green hours” as they experience nature and learn to fish:
The National Wildlife Federation is America’s oldest, largest and most trusted conservation organization. Link below for more about the NWF and the Outdoor Adventurers program:
https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/11-02-19-Outdoor-Adventurers

Mr. Bob Izumi is one of Canada’s giants in the sport of fishing. His TV and radio shows, magazine, seminars, and endless dedication and support for youth fishing events has made him a true icon in the world of fishing. Link below to hear Bob reflect on how his meteoric fishing career came about on this second of a 2-part conversation with Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish Radio

Canada’s premier fishing giant Bob Izumi has captained Team Canada in previous Pan Am tournaments held in other countries, and led Canada to victory last month on Lake St. Francis . Twenty to twenty-five pound five fish limits are common on this fertile section of the St. Lawrence River.
Link below to hear Bob Izumi speak with Lawrence Gunther about how he Captained the Canadian team to victory during the 2019 first-ever Pan American Sportfishing Bass Championship held in Canada on part one of this 2-part episode of Blue Fish Radio

Launched in May 2018, MyCatch is published by Angler’s Atlas, the producers of physical and digital fishing guides to Canadian and transboundary waters. The app is designed to collect valuable data about fish populations while also being useful to anglers. It covers the bulk of Canada, from coast to coast, as well as US waterways that connect to the transboundary region.
Link below for more about Anglers Atlas and the MyCatch App:
www.anglersatlas.com

Mr. Bob Izumi is one of Canada’s giants in the world of professional tournament bass fishing. Bob and his son Darren have represented Canada in Pan American fishing competitions throughout North and South America, and are now instrumental in bringing the tournament to Canada for the first time. None of it would have been possible without the support of the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association.
Link below to hear Mike Melnik, Managing Director of the CSIA in conversation with Lawrence Gunther about the Pan-Am Bass fishing tournament that recently took place out of Cornwall Ontario on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
The Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association is dedicated to preserving Canada’s angling heritage, ensuring Canadians have ample recreational fishing opportunities, and making sure fish populations are managed to sustainable levels. They operate programs such as Kids and Cops fishing, Catch Fishing, and Keep Canada Fishing. For more about the CSIA link to:
www.csia.ca
www.keepcanadafishing.com
www.catchfishing.com
www.kidsandcops.ca

The International Joint Commission’s Plan 2014 is meant to un-do a half century of economically focussed Great Lakes water level management. The health of one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems depends on the Plan’s implementation.
Link below to hear Save the River’s CEO John Peach and the NGO’s Chair and our Captain Jeff Garnsey, speak with Lawrence Gunther live aboard Jeff’s 29-foot 1953 ChrisCraft fishing boat about the importance of Plan 2014 as they catch-and-release a 44-inch spotted Muskie.

Finding efficient and safe ways to move migratory fish around and over natural and built barriers has been the un-doing of many ecosystems. Fish ladders were once hailed as the solution, but we now know introduce their own unique set of problems. Whooshh Innovations has been working tirelessly to solve many of these fish passage barriers. Their technologies are proving effective at safely and efficiently moving desirable fish species past barriers, while re-routing less desirable species.
Link below to hear CEO Vincent Bryan explain how the Whooshh technology works and its many benefits on this episode of Blue Fish Radio
Link below for more about Whooshh Innovations and videos showing the technology in action:
www.whooshh.com

This past summer a giant rock slide introduced a massive waterfall into a remote stretch of British Columbia’s Fraser River. With spring and summer runs of Chinook and other species of Salmon and Steelhead cut off from their traditional spawning beds, governments were feeling the pressure to ensure fish could pass. Link below for this episode of Blue Fish Radio wherein Lawrence Gunther speaks with two BC authorities, John Werring and Brian Braidwood, on the steps taken to mitigate the impacts of the Fraser River rock slide and whether it’s enough to allow migrating fish passage.

Conservation Visions’ Wild Harvest Initiative is the first serious effort to evaluate the combined economic, conservation, and social benefits of recreational wild animal harvests in the U.S. and Canada. The program is on track to apply a science-based approach to quantifying the harvesting rates of wild fish and game and just held a three-day meeting of its 35-partners, including companies such as Bass Pro Shop, at Memorial University's in St. Johns Newfoundland.
Link below to hear the founder of Conservation Visions Shane Mahoney in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish Radio
For more about Conservation Visions, link to their website at:
https://www.conservationvisions.com/

Blue Fish Radio is always amazed and pleased to meet and present anglers who have dedicated huge chunks of their lives to stewarding the wild fish resources in their area. Dave Brown is another one of these local champions who may know more about the Thompson River and Chilcotin River Steelhead that run up the Fraser River on Canada’s west coast. His knowledge and advocacy were recently recognized in 2017 with DFO awarding Dave the “National Recreational Fisheries Award”. Dave continues to work hard to save the iconic wild Steelhead from annihilation.

Link below to hear Dave Brown in conversation with Lawrence Gunther about the history, current situation, and what needs doing to save BC’s Steelhead on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
For more on dave visit his website
http://davesellswhistler.com/

Canada now has a national voice that speaks on behalf of over 375,000 outdoor enthusiasts from across Canada called the “National Fishing and Hunting Collaborative”. Mr. Matt DeMille, Manager of Fish and Wildlife Services with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is also a spokesperson for the newly formed Collaborative, and joins Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link below to hear about the shared priorities that have brought these 12 provincial and territorial organizations together in this new Collaborative, and to learn more about their immediate and long term objectives:
To learn more about the National Fishing and Hunting Collaborative and its 12 provincial and territorial partners, and the many other identified issues, visit:
www.ofah.org/nfhc.

Michael Price is a doctoral student at Simon Fraser University and the lead author of a recently published article featuring newly discovered 100-year old Skeena River Sockeye salmon DNA. The extensive collection of early 20th century scale samples along with information about each fish’s weight, length, sex and the date caught is being used to rebuild baseline data that researchers are now using to make modern day comparisons. It’s providing a deeper understanding of what we need to do to ensure the future of the many Sockeye species that travel and make home the Skeena River and its tributaries. Knowledge essential to Sockeye adjusting to changes brought about by climate change.
Link below to hear Michael Price in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish Radio:
Link below to read the first article featuring the work of Michael Price and his team:
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/08/century-old-salmon-smeared-notebooks-reveal-past-bounty-fisheries?fbclid=IwAR2BW3gll61ReJ45066T30NfC8jneW7z5R3tXHoyCWNN6Du1D7i-_YkKjVIhttps://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/08/century-old-salmon-smeared-notebooks-reveal-past-bounty-fisheries?fbclid=IwAR2BW3gll61ReJ45066T30NfC8jneW7z5R3tXHoyCWNN6Du1D7i-_YkKjVI
Link below for more about Michael Price:
www.michaelprice.org

The Ontario B.A.S.S Nation recently announced the postponement and re-location of the 2019 Hank Gibson Provincial Qualifier. Their decisions were taken based on what made the most sense for the long-term sustainability of the fish and the future of sport fishing in Ontario.
Link below to hear Jason Barnucz from the OBN speak with Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish Radio as they discuss the reasons behind these last minute conservation-oriented changes:

Tom Davis began salmon fishing along BC’s coast before he started elementary school, and has fished salmon as a recreational angler for the past six decades. From owning and operating a successful fishing tackle company, to advising all manner of governments on the state of Canada’s west coast public salmon fishery, there’s little Tom hasn’t witnessed. And, after all that, he’s still not walking away from salmon.
Link below to listen to Tom reflect on decades of salmon stock rebuilding efforts, and why recreational anglers shouldn’t be taking the hit for wild salmon stock declines resulting from issues like climate change on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
The link between the decline of southern resident Killer Whales and Fraser River Chinook salmon is not as black-and-white as some may suggest. Top BC University scientists and the Pacific Salmon Foundation explain what we know now and what research is still required if the three southern resident Killer Whale pods are to compete successfully with the rapidly expanding northern resident Killer Whale population.
Link below for the latest BC west coast marine science explained using indigenous principles of ecosystem connectivity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zz8aEAg7dI

Mr. Phil Morlock, Vice-President of Advocacy & Government Affairs, Shimano North America, has been making sure competitive Fishing Events utilize Best conservation practices for years. He continues to encourage those anglers contemplating taking part in competitive fishing events to be informed and to carefully review how fish are handled and released before deciding to participate. Link below to hear Phil Morlock in conversation with Lawrence Gunther about his recent call to anglers on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Shimano promotes scientifically based management and environmentally sustainable uses of freshwater and marine fisheries. Shimano believes in maintaining the highest standards for best fish handling and live release practices, and has invested in the research and development of live release systems, such as Water Weigh-In Systems, and in conservation partnerships. For more about Shimano’s leadership in the area of conservation visit:
http://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/INFO/ABOUT_SHIMANO/ADVOCACY/SHIMANO_SPORT_FISHERIES_INITIATIVE.html

Do you know how fish culture and fish stocking differ? What about the different approaches to establishing a put-and-take fishery versus rebuilding fish stocks? The Ontario government’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Fish and Wildlife Services Branch, has been actively engaged in all this for over a century. We speak with Mr. Kevin Loftus, Manager of MNRF’s Fish Culture Section, for answers on this week’s episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link below to hear how Ontario is working in partnership with angling associations to conserve biodiversity and enhance fishing opportunities:

The Ottawa River recently experienced two back-to-back fish kills. Blue Fish Canada was one of several angler groups that reported the crisis to government officials, and we also contacted our friends at the Ottawa River Keeper, as did many others.

Link below to hear what the Ottawa River Keeper has been doing to find out why fish have shown up dead on two separate occasions in the past ten days:
Link below for more information or to report an ecological issue on the Ottawa River:
https://www.ottawariverkeeper.ca/what-we-do-2/initiatives/pollution-hotline/

The latest film from Patagonia “Artifishal” Asks Have We Reached the End of Wild? The film got its start when Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard wanted to make a film about the arrogance of humankind. The film uses salmon as a lens to tell a larger story about wilderness. The film’s director, Josh Murphy, says “it’s about how we keep trying to control nature rather than allowing it to do what it does,”
Link below to hear Josh Murphy in discussion with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
For more about the film or to book a screening follow the below link:

https://www.patagonia.com/artifishal.html

The fate of whales is linked to the value that we place on them. Getting to know them and entering into their fascinating universe are the best guaranties for their future. This is the heart of the GREMM’s mission! Founded in 1985 and based in Tadoussac, the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals is a non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research and education on the whales of the St. Lawrence.

Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther in conversation with the GREMM’s head of public education on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:





Whales have fascinated mankind since the earliest of times.. Nourishing and perpetuating this fascination is what drives the GREMM’s team. The threats faced by whales are many, varied, and increasingly well understood. Protecting their habitat requires concrete actions sustained over the long term. For more on the GREMM visit:
https://gremm.org/en/

The St Lawrence River measures over 2,000 km in length and is host to both freshwater and marine life. Half way along the river is a small Quebec town called Tadoussac famous for whale watching and whale research.
Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther’s adventure aboard a whale watching zodiac on this first of a two-part episode featuring the whales of the St. Lawrence on Blue Fish Radio:

Common Carp were brought from Europe to North America well over 100 years ago as a food source for new Canadians, but since fell out of favor. Instead, there’s growing interest in catch-and-release Carp fishing. The Honorable John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, is now proposing to bring Ontario into alignment with Europe and the United States with respect to multi-line carp angling. Canada’s angling community and tourism industry have been advocating for just such a change for well over ten years. Link below to hear Lawrence Gunther in conversation with the Minister of MNRF followed by a quick chat with Jesse Gallant, founder of Canadian Carper, on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
To provide your feedback to the Government of Ontario on the proposal to switch to multiple lines and to clarify the rules on baiting or chumming for Carp, send your comments to:

fishpolicy@ontario.ca,

For more on the proposed changes visit:
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0130

Going blind has allowed Lawrence Gunther to gain insight on the worlds that remain hidden out-of-sight to the rest of us.
Link below to hear Lawrence describe the path he took to become a net giver on this week’s episode of Blue Fish Radio.

Lawrence Gunther, the host of the Blue Fish Radio Show, heard across all popular podcast broadcasters and over basic cable TV on AMI Audio, is also the founder and president of Blue Fish Canada, a registered Canadian charity dedicated to the future of fish and fishing. Blue Fish Canada operates a number of exciting programs such as the Fishing Tackle Recycler initiative, the Urban Shore Fishing Node program, the free Shoreline Clean-Up toolkit, Blue Fish Sustainable, and more. We also produce multi-media content to inform youth and others on harvesting fish sustainably and catch-and-release best practices.
Today on Blue Fish Radio we present “What Every Angler Should Know”:

Len Perdic is the founder and Tournament Director of the Fishn Canada Carp Cup, a tournament held on the shores of the St. Lawrence River each spring. Lawrence Gunther, the host of Blue Fish Radio, drops in to chat with teams spread out over 22 different pegs along the shore of the St. Lawrence for a 77-hour carp fishing marathon. The winner took home $5,000 and a trip to Europe to fish the World Carp Championship.
Link below to hear what competitors and Len have to say about this year’s competition on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

For 41 years Outdoor Group Media has been raising the bar on the production and delivery of award-winning content to over 2-million dedicated Canadian readers of their magazines Outdoor Canada and BC Outdoors. And now, with the acquisition of World Fishing Network Canada, now rebranded as Sportsman Channel Canada, their reach is extended to 9.5-million Canadian households. As Publisher and President of Outdoor Group Media, Mark Yelic is one of Canada’s giants in the Canadian fishing industry, and the guest on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link below to hear How Mark got his start in the media business, how he’s built up the company to ever greater heights as Canada’s premier outdoor media content provider, and the importance of conservation in all they do:

Mr. David MacLachlan is the executive Director of Discover Northern Ontario. His extensive resort ownership and operation management background provides him with a comprehensive perspective on the needs of fishing-related tourism operations. This includes growing internationally what’s already Canada’s largest fishing tourism region, and supporting owner/operators to attract greater numbers of both international visitors, and families, women and youth. David is also fully engaged in ensuring Northern Ontario’s fishing resorts remain pristine wilderness environments, and is actively engaging the forestry industry and the promotion of stewardship initiatives to ensure the future of fish and fishing.
Link below to hear David MacLachlan in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue fish Radio:

So many amazing species of fish around the world, and right here in Canada too. Canada’s recreational fishery has been improving for the past 40 years, and while there’s still room for improvement, we also have much to be thankful for.
Link below for a Blue fish Radio presentation of Canada’s Own River Monsters as captured and released by Lawrence Gunther:

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed 13 of BC’s 26 Chinook stocks and found eight to be endangered. Contributing to the demise of southern BC Chinook stocks are developments along the Lower Fraser estuary such as dykes, pump stations, dredging and infilling. Thankfully, a $2.7-million habitat connectivity project funded through The $75-million coastal restoration fund — part of the federal five-year $1.5-billion oceans protection plan – is already helping to restore crucial salmon habitat. The days of the Steveston jetty on the lower Fraser River preventing juvenile salmon from accessing the estuary zone in Sturgeon Bank may be coming to an end. The Steveston jetty project is one of many underway to restore access to vital salmon rearing habitat essential to the development of salmon smoltz prior to their entering the Pacific Ocean.
Link below to learn how Murray Manson, a restoration biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is working with angling and conservation groups on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Building on our series “giants in the Canadian fishing industry”, Blue Fish Radio is honored to feature Yvonne Brown, founder of “Ontario Women Anglers”. In 2016 Yvonne Brown became the first woman angler to receive the Rick Amsbury Award of Excellence presented by the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame. Yvonne serves as an ambassador for National Fishing Week and Keep Canada Fishing. These titles acknowledge Yvonne’s work and dedication to introducing the sport of fishing to women through the organization she founded called Ontario Women Anglers.
Link below to hear Yvonne discuss with Lawrence Gunther programs Yvonne has on offer through Ontario Women Anglers on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Yvonne Brown believes that getting people involved in any outdoor activity helps create stewards of our natural resources. She says, “The more families that engage in fishing, hunting, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, the better chance we have in educating Canadians in protecting our fisheries, wildlife and waterways”.
For more about Ontario Women Anglers visit:
www.OntarioWomenAnglers.Com

Blue Fish Radio continues to seek answers to why BC’s ecosystem is in decline. After the collapse of the Cod fishery and all that entailed on Canada’s east coast, why are BC’s southern Chinook salmon heading down the same path? Link below to listen to this week’s Blue Fish Radio guest expert, Ian McAllister from Pacific Wild, as we explore the foundation role of North Pacific Herring, and why their decline threatens BC’s entire ecosystem:
Mr. Ian McAllister is the executive director of Pacific Wild. He’s dedicated his life to exploring the rivers and tributaries along Canada’s west coast, and finding solutions too many of our “man-made” problems. His actions to conserve vital wilderness are making a difference, and his media projects to document and educate others continue to earn Ian and his team much applause.

Link below to watch the trailer for Ian’s latest initiative, a 42-minute IMAX film “The Great Bear Rainforest” that’s receiving tons of critical acclaim:
https://pacificwild.org/video/great-bear-rainforest-imax-trailer/

Blue Fish Canada attended the 2019 Musky Odyssey and our volunteers were blown away. The event is just one of many of Peter Levick’s irons in the fire such as his role as editor of the Musky Release Journal and guiding on the Ottawa River.
Link below to hear more about the Odyssey and the work Peter and many others are doing to ensure the future of musky and musky fishing on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Step over the US border from British Columbia and you will find US sturgeon fisheries opening up to limited recreational harvesting following successful rebuilding of Sturgeon stocks. At the same time, the BC government has authorized clear-cutting of key Fraser River juvenile Sturgeon wetland habitat, and the construction of bridges directly on top of prime Sturgeon spawning beds. For years BC anglers have been conducting citizen science to monitor the status of the Fraser River Sturgeon, and lobbying for government to do something to halt the decline of juvenile Sturgeon numbers.
Link below to hear John Werring’s assessment of the BC government’s inept management of this important historic and economic resource on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Dave Mercer is unarguably the most successful professional angler in Canadian history. His personal drive and foresight keeps him on the leading edge of the many innovations that have swept the fishing industry in the past dozen years. Link below to hear Dave share his winning career formula with Lawrence Gunther on how to keep your passion for fishing thriving while building a career in the fishing industry, and what new anglers launching their own careers need to keep in mind to ensure all fisheries continue to thrive, on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

Nipigon’s Ray Dupuis has been an angler for most of his 86 years, and is widely known for his conservation efforts that are in part responsible for the amazing brook trout fishery on Superior’s north shore and the Nipigon River and Lake. His dedication to informing and inspiring other anglers to champion conservation efforts is legendary, and his political advocacy and citizen science are responsible for a number of epic conservation initiatives. Still fishing every chance he can, Ray and 17 of his family members traveled to Minneapolis on the weekend to witness Ray’s being inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Link below to hear Ray in conversation with Blue fish Radio host Lawrence Gunther:

Dr. Brian Riddell is the CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, an organization that prides itself on presenting facts without fear. Once again Blue Fish Radio turned to the Foundation for clarification on issues impacting BC’s southern Chinook salmon
Link below to hear Dr. Riddell on the actions required to rebuild BC’s endangered southern Chinook salmon population.
For 30 years Dr. Riddell worked with DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada), and in 2005 he co-authored the conservation Policy for Wild Pacific Salmon. The Pacific Salmon Foundation goals are to increase support for salmon conservation, and to provide non-adversarial and objective information about Pacific salmon.
The sport fishing sector contribution to the BC economy in 2016 totaled $1.1 billion in annual sales and 9,000 jobs. The salmon sport fishery is BC’s single largest economic contributor of all fisheries, but is responsible for harvesting approximately 15 per cent of the halibut and 10 per cent of the salmon that were harvested in 2016. More specifically, the recreational fishery is responsible for harvesting less than .5 per cent of salmon from the endangered Chinook population.

In 2017 DFO reduced the daily harvest limit of Chinook salmon by BC’s recreational anglers from two to one. Starting this April 2019, DFO is proposing to eliminate retention of Chinook by recreational anglers altogether. Actions remain outstanding regarding the many other factors impacting Chinook salmon such as the commercial Herring harvest, wetland loss, predation by seals and sea lions, warming ocean temperatures, placement of aquaculture open pens, commercial and indigenous fisheries, etc.

JP DeRose is a staple on TV for every angler interested in staying on top of their game, It was to JP the World Fishing Network turned to in 2008 when searching for a pro angler to sponsor. Many other sponsors followed along with hosting and then producing TV shows such as Getting Schooled, Beyond the Cast and now Breaking Boundaries. More recently, JP has set his sights on producing fishing shows for others such as the Renegade Bass Tour.
Link below to hear JP DeRose in conversation with Lawrence Gunther as they discuss the many goals JP has realized in the world of fishing and what’s coming next, on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Jeff Gustafson, known throughout the fishing World as Gussy, grew up on the shores of Lake of the Woods in Kenora, Ontario. At age 14 he guided his first paying client, and now fish’s the BASS Master Elite tournament trail with an eye on winning the BASS Master Classic. Jeff is a prolific outdoor writer, professional photographer, and for six years hosted the TV show “Fishing with Gussy”. Jeff is the guest on this episode of Blue Fish Radio. With his customary good nature and humility, reveals the connection between hard work, having a conservation mind-set, and staying focused on your goals.

LINK Here to hear the Blue Fish Radio episode with Jeff:

:

For more about Jeff visit his website at:
www.gussyoutdoors.com

Dr. Leigh McGaughey has researched diverse aquatic ecosystems all over the world, and is now focusing on the St. Lawrence River. The report intends to address the questions of importance to members of the public. Can I eat the fish that I catch? Is it safe to swim? How healthy is our water? It’s about the health of the River now, how it compares to the past, and what can be done to make it better. The report is intended to focus research programs in areas that are data deficient and provide direction for rehabilitation projects and policy/management decisions. Link below to this episode of Blue Fish Radio featuring Lawrence Gunther in discussion with Dr. McGaughey.

The Fishing Canada TV show and Outdoor Journal Radio are two programs that exemplify responsible outdoor enjoyment and ethical behavior in the outdoors. Blue Fish Canada’s president Lawrence Gunther had the honor of giving the key note address when the TV and radio program founding Viola brothers were inducted into the Canadian Sport Fishing Hall of Fame. This episode of Blue Fish Radio features Angelo Viola’s interview with Lawrence Gunther on Outdoor Journal Radio as the featured guest for the year-end 2018 broadcast. Link below to listen to Angelo and Lawrence discuss the importance of one health in the outdoors:

Blue Fish Canada’s founder and president Lawrence Gunther often finds himself in classrooms with a mission to engage and inspire youth to become the next generation of conservation minded outdoor enthusiasts. He engages students with a mix of stories and compelling reasons why fishing connects us all to nature in profound ways. Lawrence takes it one step further and challenges youth to use their passion for the outdoors to become citizen scientists by using their fishing skills as a tool for unlocking the mysteries of hidden underwater worlds. Link below to hear Lawrence’s presentation to a group of grade 10 history students on the tradition of fishing and its link to citizen science:

Since the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster in 2010, ongoing findings and research are delivering a clearer understanding of what such spills mean for the long term health of affected ecosystems. The oil disaster’s negative effects are increasingly clear, present and far from resolved, but with $16 billion set aside to address ecosystem restoration, the verdict is still out on whether it’s possible to achieve full recovery. Joining Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio is Ryan Fikes, a Staff Scientist with the Gulf of Mexico Restoration Program working with the National Wildlife Federation.
Link below to learn first-hand about what the oil spill meant to the Gulf’s fisheries and their prospects for full recovery on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Canada’s Rob Stewart, creator of the award-winning documentary “Sharkwater”, perished while diving off Florida’s coast two years ago today. Dr Chris Harvey Clark, one of Canada’s leading experts on cold water sharks, was a frequent collaborator of Rob’s. Dr. Harvey Clark joins Lawrence Gunther on this episode of Blue Fish Radio to explore the mysterious world of cold water sharks along Canada’s east coast, and the transformative role Rob Stewart played in changing how people view sharks. Rob Stewart is without doubt a true Canadian hero. Link below to learn more about Canada’s shark populations and for Dr. Harvey Clark’s reflections on meeting and collaborating with Rob on his work.

Dr. Chris Harvey Clark is a leading expert and frequent contributor to numerous research studies, TV shows and documentaries, including our own feature-length documentary “What Lies Below” now airing on CBC Documentary Channel. We ask Chris what he thinks is fueling the hyper-abundance of Lobster and Gray Seals now found along Canada’s east coast, and why marine species are transitioning north into Canada’s territorial waters. Link below to hear Dr Chris Harvey Clark’s conversation with Lawrence Gunther about the many changes in marine life populations and balances in Atlantic Canada in this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
Link below for more about the documentary What Lies Below or to watch the trailer:
www.WhatLiesBelow.Ca

Watershed Watch is devoted to addressing issues impacting wild salmon stocks throughout British Columbia. Whether it’s to improve conditions for struggling southern BC Chinook salmon stocks to help feed resident Killer Whales, or to ensure indigenous fishers and recreational anglers can continue to catch salmon to feed their families and sustain their coastal communities, the organization and its many volunteers are working hard to resolve spawning opportunities and habitat issues.

Link to listen to Lina Azeez from Watershed Watch speak with Lawrence Gunther about their recent success in convincing BC municipalities to restore habitat for salmon smolts along the lower Fraser River on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

John Peach is the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper, Executive Director of Save The River, and this week’s guest on Blue Fish Radio. Listen this week as John lays out his plans to engage the U.S. and New York state governments to fund the proposed $778 million to establish innovative technologies developed to prevent Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes, while still allowing ships to transit between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River.

Proposed structural measures to the Brandon Road Lock include an acoustic fish deterrent (noise), an electric dispersal barrier, an engineered channel (rebuilding the floor of the lock), a flushing lock (elongated flushing pool at the head of the lock), and an air bubble curtain. Boat ramps at the upper and lower ends of the locks will be supporting measures. Additional non-structural measures will include the continued use of contract fishermen to harvest Asian carp below the lock, use of pesticide, public education, and continued research on new technologies that could be installed in the lock when proven effective.

Dr. Chris Harvey-Clark is the Director of Animal Care at Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia. He’s a marine biologist by training, a veterinarian, author, cinematographer, sculptor, and a popular guest on numerous TV shows and documentaries.
This week on Blue Fish Radio Dr. Harvey Clark shares with host Lawrence Gunther his work on rescuing cold-shocked sea turtles along Canada’s east coast.

Peter Bowman is the associate producer and co-host of Fish’n Canada going on 28 years, and was inducted into the Canadian Fishing Hall of Fame in 2012. Pete’s probably fished more of Canada’s lakes and rivers than anyone walking – live or dead. He’s figured out not only how to catch just about anything that swims, but how to do it in a way that ensures the next angler can do the same – playing it forward for the next angler.
Pete is Lawrence Gunther’s guest on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:

Over 33 years of co-hosting Fish’n Canada with Pete Bowman at his side for the last 28, and as the host of Outdoor Journal Radio, Angelo Viola has witnessed a remarkable progress in the way we fish. He firmly believes that the fishing ethic Canadians practice has contributed to making Canada a world class eco-tourism destination. Angelo is also a believer in the one-health view of life.
On this episode of Blue Fish Radio, Angelo Viola explains why the 8-million Canadians who fish are actively committed to ensuring the future of fish and fishing for generations to come.
Watch Angelo Viola and his Fish’n Canada co-host Pete Bowman every Saturday morning on Global TV and download his weekly Outdoor Journal Radio podcast for the latest fishing news.

Giant killer Rick McGowan took his 30-year fight with a billionaire owner of the massive 250,000 acre B.C. Douglas Lake ranch all the way to the BC Supreme Court, and won! It confirms the public’s right to access public water located on private land and, who controls the public roads that cross these private spaces. Thank you Rick and all those who stood behind him over the years – especially his wife who did most all of the “paralegal” work.
Link to this episode of Blue Fish Radio to hear Rick explain what the win means, and what legal battles lay ahead.

Dr. Andrew Trites is the director of the University of British Columbia's Marine Mammal Research Unit, and is one of Canada’s top scientists researching Killer Whale and seal populations along Canada’s west coast. Dr. Trites is one of a number of scientists trying to get to the bottom of why southern resident Killer Whales are thinner than their resident cousins to the north, who are thriving. He’s concluded the estimated 600,000 large Chinook salmon in the area where southern resident Killer Whales reside each summer should more than meet their needs.

Link to hear DR. Trites this week on Blue Fish Radio explain why problems facing southern resident Killer Whales may have more to do with what they experience when they reside further south during the winter.
For more on Dr. Trites research visit:
www.marinemammal.org

What buffalo once meant to the First Nations people of the Plains, salmon are to the people of the Pacific Northwest. Working hard to identify why Chinook or King salmon are struggling along North America’s west coast has fish ecologists scrambling.
Link to hear Dr Peter Westley from the University of Alaska explain why Alaskan Chinook numbers are down, at the same time Sockeye, Pink and Chum numbers are higher than ever, on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

Link below for more about the research underway at the Salmonid Evolutionary Ecology & Conservation Lab at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks:
www.seec-lab.com

Dianne Saxe could very well be Ontario’s last Environmental Commissioner due to recently announced budget cuts. Commissioner Saxe is this week’s guest on Blue Fish Radio, and speaks with Lawrence Gunther about water pollution, the loss of wetlands, threats to wildlife, and how each of us can voice our concerns and suggestions on what needs to be done to conserve Ontario’s wildlife, wetlands, and the future of fish and fishing.
Link to hear what Commissioner Saxe has identified as priorities in her latest report, Back to Basics on this episode of Blue Fish Radio:
Follow the links below to the ECO’s:
· report media release/commissioner’s remarks
· report landing page
Follow the link below to register for the ECO’s Back to Basics webinar on November 29:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5073994768703680258

Surprisingly, there isn’t a lot of credible research on the topic of fish pain, but that doesn’t stop people from speculating. Dr. Steven Cooke is Canada’s Research Chair in Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology, and knows a thing or two about fish.
Link to hear what Dr. Cooke has to say about how and when fish feel pain on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

New Brunswicker Jeff Wilson is a citizen scientist and steward of the Miramichi River’s rebounding Striped bass fish stock. He’s also the Co-host of the Miramichi Striper Cup, an annual catch&release tournament that attracts over 2,000 participants. Striped bass are a native fish species that have been commercially fished to near oblivion along the Atlantic coast on several occasions, but due to climate change and commercial fishing embargos, their numbers are rebounding with astonishing speed.
Link to hear what Jeff thinks about the future prospects for the survival of Stripers in Atlantic Canada, and why they are important to so many -- including the town of Miramichi -- in this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
For more about the Miramichi Striper Cup held each spring on the banks of the Miramichi River visit: www.MiramichiStriperCup.Ca

In 2008 Minnesota declared the southern portion of Lake of the Woods polluted. Mr. Todd Sellers, Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, has always lived and fished in the area, and wants to make sure future generations will also experience the world-class fishery that serves as the single greatest draw for tourists and cottagers.

Listen to this episode of Blue fish Radio as Todd shares details about the 5-year $8.4 million research projects now underway, and his expectations of how science needs to be put into action if the Lake is to continue to serve as one of Canada’s premier fishing destinations.
For more about the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation visit:
www.LOWWSF.com

Mark Hambrook is the President of the Miramichi Salmon Association. He’s personally witnessed the decline of Atlantic salmon and now the explosive return of Striped Bass. To help restore balance, New Brunswick’s recreational anglers supported the Eel Ground First Nations community to secure the rights to harvest Striped Bass commercially. The goal is that by working together, everyone benefits from sustainable and bountiful fisheries for many generations to come. Link to hear Mark Hambrook explain how climate change and excessive commercial fishing off the coast of Greenland are threatening a recreational salmon fishery that dates back to the 1800’s on Blue Fish Radio.
The following are five key conservation measures advocated for by the Miramichi Salmon Association:
1, Keep the striped bass fishery open from April 15 to October 15 in non-tidal water and until October 31 in tidal water

2, substantially increase the daily bag limit to 6 fish and allow two days possession limit

3, Change the slot size restriction to anything greater than 50 cm

4, Work with the First Nations to allow them unlimited catch of striped bass in their pound nets and allow them to commercially sell the bass

5, No size restrictions for bass retention in fresh water (non-tidal)

Link below for more information about the Miramichi Salmon Association:
www.miramichisalmon.ca

Carroll Randall, outdoor writer for the Halifax Chronicle Herald, trains and certifies fishing guides and has led numerous conservation initiatives over the years. Who better to shed light on the changes Canada’s east coast recreational fisheries are under-going, and what it means for the future of fish and fishing. Link to hear Carroll share decades of knowledge about Atlantic Salmon and now Striped Bass on this episode of Blue Fish Radio.
To learn more about Carroll or to book your own guided fishing adventures, visit:
www.dacarafishin.ca

One of Canada’s greatest explorers Geoff Green has travelled to the Arctic and Antarctic over 130 times. He “shares the love” and so far has provided 3,000 youth from 52 countries with life-altering polar experiences through his Students on Ice initiative. If that wasn’t enough, in 2017, Geoff led the C3 expedition aboard a Canadian Coastguard vessel that set off from Toronto to explore all three of Canada’s coastlines, traversing the north-west passage in the process.

Link to hear what drives Geoff, and learn what future expeditions Geoff has in the works on this episode of Blue fish Radio.
For more on Geoff Green, Students on Ice, the C3 Expedition, and the many other projects Geoff’s partnering on, visit:
https://studentsonice.com/

Dr. Eva Enders is one of over 17 fish biologists working out of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Freshwater Institute located in Winnipeg Manitoba, along with numerous other technicians and scientists. The Institute currently tracks over 750 fish from six species of freshwater fish throughout Manitoba’s Red River, Lake Winnipeg and so much more using advanced telemetry technology. Understanding just how widely traveled these different fish species are and where they go to spawn and over-winter, is helping DFO and the Manitoba government to manage valuable commercial and recreational fish resources by making it possible to make decisions based on science.

Listen as Blue fish Radio discusses with Eva the six species being tracked and what they are learning from the data.
Link here for more about the Freshwater Institute and their research.
https://www.natureindex.com/.../freshwater-institute-dfo/51ef3420140ba0e85600000...

Dr. Scott Forbes at the University of Winnipeg is following the plight of the Walleye, Sauger and Whitefish in Lake Winnipeg. He’s raising alarm bells about the state of the lake’s fish stocks. The lake itself is facing numerous issues that go beyond a commercial fishery that many claim to be one of the poorest managed fisheries in the world, which is a problem because it’s also the second largest freshwater fishery in North America. We continue our look into why Lake Winnipeg is against the ropes and what needs to happen to save Canada’s sixth largest lake from experiencing an ecological collapse. Link to listen on Blue Fish Radio as Dr. Scott Forbes explains the crisis facing Lake Winnipeg’s fish stocks and what many argue as the best recreational Walleye fishery in the world.

Gord Pyzer is Canada’s most award winning outdoor author, inductee into numerous halls of fame, a radio and TV host, and the fishing editor for Outdoor Canada Magazine. He also served as a biologist in Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for over 30 years. Gord has news about the state of Canada’s world-class Walleye fishery on Lake Winnipeg that needs to be heard.

Listen to Gord Pyzer this week on Blue Fish Radio reflect on Walleye conservation successes and failures, and what each of us needs to do.

There are five species of Sawfish around the world, and all are now considered endangered. Only the Smalltooth Sawfish can still be found along Florida’s coastlines and backcountry, but don’t let their name fool you. The Smalltooth Sawfish measures up to five meters in length, can weigh as much as 400 kilos, and it’s bill or rostrum can measure over a meter in length. We may have turned the corner on the Smalltooth’s demise, but there’s still work to do to ensure the full recovery of these apex predators. Listen this week on Blue fish Radio as we speak with Adam Brame of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and Coordinator of the Sawfish recovery program. For more information about the Sawfish recovery program visit:
www.SawfishRecovery.org
To report a smalltooth sawfish encounter call 1-844-4SAWFISH or email sawfish@myfwc.com.

You can point to a wide range of issues impacting wild salmon stocks along Canada’s west coast and beyond, and in many ways we all shoulder the blame. Restoring wild salmon stocks is also going to take a group effort, says Greg Knox, CEO of the Skeena Wild Conservation Trust. And yet, Gitxsan First nations chiefs have taken a different approach and are now demanding all forms of salmon fishing be shut down throughout the Skeena watershed as a conservation measure with one exception, their own. This week on Blue Fish Radio we discuss why a group conservation effort is in the best long-term interests of the Skeena, its wildlife and the various communities that consider the Skeena home.

Frank Sargeant is an outdoor writer with numerous awards, and currently serves as the Editor of the daily “Fishing Wire” news letter. He recently wrote a three-part editorial on climate change. It’s a well-balanced no-nonsense call to action that everyone in the outdoor industry and who considers themselves to be an outdoor enthusiast needs to read. Link to hear Frank Sargent and Lawrence Gunther explore why more such call to actions are needed this week on Blue fish Radio.
Link here to sign up for the Fishing Wire news letter.

http://www.thefishingwire.com/subscription

Courtney Quirin is a documentary filmmaker and journalist who has worked in New Zealand, Ethiopia, and now Canada where she just filmed her second documentary. Her new film “Guardian” reveals the life and dedication of those who choose to spend their lives following and counting wild salmon on behalf of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Their love of wild salmon and willingness to endure prolonged hardship is impressive, but what have they learned after spending decades in some of the most remote corners of British Columbia? Link to hear Courtney discuss her experience living with Guardians this week on Blue Fish Radio. For more about Guardians, The Documentary, link here:
https://www.guardianthedoc.com/
To stream Courtney’s earlier film featuring West Coast Salmon Fishers link here:
www.thegeorgiagirl.com

Red tides and blue-green algae outbreaks are wreaking havoc along hundreds of miles of Florida’s coastlines and killing marine life. Some causes may be natural, but human actions and climate change are contributing to what many consider to be the worst fish kills Florida has ever experienced.

Link to hear Brett Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Angler Action Foundation, describe the true extent of Florida’s ecological crisis and how anglers are responding this week on Blue Fish Radio.
To learn more about what’s behind Florida’s ecological crisis visit:
http://earthsky.org/earth/florida-algae-crisis-2018-causes-questions-answered

For more about Florida’s Angler Action Foundation and the I-Fish App, link to:
www.angleraction.org

This week on Blue Fish Radio more on BC’s struggling Rainbow populations with Ph.D candidate Andrew Kadykalo. Andrews research includes understanding the decision-making/governance of rainbow trout fisheries in B.C. He’s spending his summer interviewing government employees and other key stakeholders, and shares with us the struggles he’s discovering re: modern fisheries management. Link here to hear Andrew and Lawrence Gunther discuss why Rainbow populations are experiencing what many are calling a modern day “train wreck”. For more about Andrew and his work visit: YESS - Young Ecosystem Services Specialists

Sir Sandford Fleming College is ground zero for anyone in Ontario looking to start a career in resource management and enforcement. Today’s guest on Blue Fish Radio is the College’s new Vice President of Academia Dr. Tom Weegar. Listen as Dr Weegar highlights the many exciting developments and career opportunities that make Fleming College a leader in their field this week on Blue fish Radio.

David Stibbe, a local educator and founder of Ottawa City Rafting, is expanding with his launch of the non-profit organization River Rangers. With partners like Ottawa River Keeper and Water Rangers, he plans to introduce youth to the history and ecology of rivers, and with assistance from Blue Fish Canada, fish and fishing as well. Link to Blue Fish Radio to hear David Stibbe and Lawrence Gunther discuss the origins and mission of River Rangers. For more about River Rangers, link here:
www.riverrangers.ca.

Dr. Trevor Pitcher is the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research located at the University of Windsor, and the man behind the brand new Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre. Thanks to the work being undertaken by these centers of research, many of the original native Great lakes fish species are on the rebound.

Link here to learn which fish species were the first, what species followed, and how fish recovery is being helped this week on Blue fish Radio.
To learn more about the research Dr. Pitcher and his colleagues are working on visit:
www.uwindsor.ca/glier

PhD candidate Amanda Jeanson at Carleton University’s “Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology” program, part of the Cooke Lab, is in BC to find out why their inland recreational rainbow trout fisheries are in decline. Her focus is the Thompson and Chilcotin river systems.
Amanda’s research has implications for fisheries management and policy development. It’s all part of a larger research project called "Sustaining freshwater recreational fisheries in a changing environment" based out of UBC and funded by Genome Canada and Genome BC.
Listen this week on Blue Fish Radio as Amanda discusses the importance of building a community when conducting research with anglers, and how this includes a continuous relationship and contact, not a one-time interview. To reach Amanda’s re: her citizen science research visit the Anglers Atlas website at:
https://www.anglersatlas.com/research/social-ecological-studies-of-inland-recreational-rainbow-trout-fisheries
To link to the Cooke’s Lab online angler survey visit:
https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3X9lAIfOuGKehI9

Sean Simmons is the Founder of Anglers Atlas and has a passion and admiration for citizen science as undertaken by Canada’s top recreational anglers. This week on Blue fish Radio Sean explains how he manages to provide anglers with free access to over 250,000 bathamatric maps of Canada in exchange for data collected from citizen scientists about their favorite fishing locations. The data establishes valuable baseline benchmarks about freshwater fish stocks, and will help inform on-going research intended to ensure the future of Canada’s recreational fisheries.
Link to hear Lawrence and Sean discuss the founding and future of the Angler Atlas downloadable app this week on Blue Fish Radio.
Link here for more information or to sign up to be an Angler Atlas member:
www.AnglersAtlas.com

Michael E. Sklad, Founder and President of Fishing Friendzy, is super excited about launching the new Youth Fishing League. The best part is it is designed to expand to communities all across North America. Support for the League comes from organizations such as the Credit Valley Conservation Authority and a number of industry partners.

Link to hear Michael and Lawrence discuss why establishing fishing opportunities for youth with solid mentorship is important for a child’s balanced development. For more about Fishing Friendzy and their Youth Fishing league visit:
www.fishingfriendzy.com

Aquatic invasive plants are labeled invasive due to their highly disruptive impacts on wetlands, lakes and rivers. Thankfully, they’re on the radar of Ducks Unlimited. Work DU is undertaking in the Great Lakes Basin to protect coastal wetlands includes controlling the highly invasive aquatic plant, European water chestnut, and surveillance and monitoring along eastern Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Link to hear Kyle Borrowman, European Water Chestnut plant eradication program coordinator with Ducks Unlimited Canada this week on blue Fish Radio.
Link here if you would like to get more involved with DU’s programs:
http://www.ducks.ca/how-to-help/

Dr Ken Drouillard at the University of Winsor is a lead researcher with the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research. His findings serve to better assess fish health and how the Ontario government establishes fish consumption advisories, and when more mitigation work is called for to eliminate toxic hot-spots. Ontario’s fish Consumption Advisories currently cover 2,400 locations throughout the province Link to hear Lawrence Gunther and Dr. Drouillard discuss the evolution of fish-health research and how anglers are better informed than ever when it comes to knowing how much of a specific fish stock can be safely eaten.

Kat Kavanagh is the founder and Executive Director of Water Rangers. The program empowers citizen scientists to learn and gather water samples to be shared on line.
Link to hear Kat explain the [program and tools this week on Blue fish Radio.

Go to waterrangers.ca to learn more, and join in!

Cold water fish species are especially vulnerable to climate change. Taylor Ridderbusch is Trout Unlimited America’s specialist on cold water Great Lakes issues and our guest this week on Blue fish Radio.
Link to hear what TU is up to ensure the future of cold water fish species this week on Blue Fish Radio.
Link here for a very good overview of the most recent work undertaken by Trout Unlimited within the Great Lakes region
https://www.tu.org/

Lena Azeez from Watershed Watch Salmon Society is working with communities from British Columbia’s lower mainland to draft and pass a resolution that underscores their commitment to safeguard fish habitat. This sort of sentiment often gets lost when flood prevention strategies are implemented; however, one shouldn’t come at the expense of the other. Fish habitat and impacts on fish health need to be considered when designing strategies for flood control, so says Lina and the community leaders she’s working with.
Link to hear Lina discuss her work with community leaders and what’s coming next on Blue Fish Radio.
Link to the Connected Waters website for more information about Lina’s work:
www.connectedwaters.ca

Dams and barriers are often considered positive landscape features because they can generate power, provide recreational opportunities, block invasive species, and prevent contaminant and disease transfer upstream. The flip side of that coin is that barriers can also reduce ecosystem function by reducing species richness, fragmenting habitats, impairing animal movements, impounding water, increasing temperature, and altering sediment transport.
Listen as Lawrence Gunther speaks with Marc Gaden from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission about an up-coming fish passage project this week on Blue Fish Radio.
http://www.traversecitymi.gov/planning.asp

Dr. Jeff Ridal is the Executive Director of the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences. Jeff is this week’s guest on Blue Fish Radio and outlines what the Institute’s numerous scientists are hard at work researching. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Research Symposium organized by the Institute and held at the OPG Visitor Centre in Cornwall May 30 and 31. Link to hear Jeff speak about the challenges the Institute faces, and why studying the River’s ecosystem is essential to understanding fish health.
Link below for more details on the Symposium and the key note presentation to be given by Dr. Geoff Green:
http://riverinstitute.ca/river-symposium/

Musky Canada Sport Fish and Research came into being to introduce conservation measures into the sport of Musky fishing. For over 40 years there now 700 members from the 13 different Canadian chapters have been supplying the Ministry of Natural Resources with catch-and-release logs to aid in Musky research. This year the organization has funded three different research projects, including one on Lake St Clair in partnership with Shimano Canada.
Listen as Musky Canada’s President Chris Nielsen discusses fishing and research plans for 2018 this week on Blue Fish Radio.

The Upper St Lawrence River Protection Network is the creation of Karen Cooper at the St. Lawrence River Institute for Environmental Studies in Cornwall. The Network serves as a resource for coordination and distribution of river-related research and mitigation information; encourages existing and future ongoing research, education and remediation on both sides of the river; and, serves as a voice to foster an environmentally balanced and sustainable approach to recreation and development.

Listen this week on Blue Fish Radio as the Network’s Chair Patricia O'Hara and Host Lawrence Gunther discuss the work of the Network as it responded to the sinking of two tugs on the river, the two Great Canadian shoreline clean-ups that already pulled over 20 tons of garbage out of the River, and what it’s like for Lawrence when he SCUBA’s blind.

Commissioner Gordon Walker is one of three Canadian Commissioners who have pledged to uphold the terms of a 1909 water boundary treaty between Canada and the U.S. Governments have referred over 140 disputes to the International Joint Commission to resolve, and all but two have been settled by the six-person Commission. Holding the Canadian and U.S. governments to account on issues concerning water diversion and quality, fish health, and wetland conservation, restoration and protection, also factor into much of the IJC’s work.

Listen to Commissioner Gordon Walker as he speaks with Lawrence Gunther about the history, successes and future challenges facing the International Joint commission.

Link here for more about the IJC:
www.ijc.org

Jason Barnucz is a trained research biologist and the Conservation Director for the Ontario Bass Nation. Last year he challenged the over 700 members of the Ontario Bass Nation to take the next step and “Pledge to Pitch”, a BASS Nation program designed to ensure used soft plastic fishing lures are disposed of in a sustainable way. It lead to four of the 22 BASS member clubs receiving the Shimano Jackle prize valued at $1,000 presented by the Canadian Sport Fishing League.

Listen as Jason speaks with Lawrence Gunther this week on Blue Fish Radio about the program and what’s coming next.

Ten years after Blue Fish Canada’s president launched the world’s first Blind Fishing Boat, he’s still getting tons of interest from those who want to learn more about fishing and navigating blind. Not only does Lawrence catch plenty of fish, allowing him to best most of his sighted competition, he’s also the inventor of the world’s first “Blind Fishing Boat”.

Listen this week on Blue Fish Radio as Lawrence Gunther shares his insights on fishing blind.
Link to his Blind Fishing Boat blog at:

While most all other Orca or Killer Whale populations are growing in size, and in certain cases, setting new population records, the southern and northern residential Orca populations along Canada’s west coast have not fared as well. At the same time, the Chinook salmon these two resident whale populations depend on almost exclusively, are themselves in decline. Scientists and conservationists alike agree that climate change related issues such as drought, warming oceans, acidification, extreme storms and shifts in marine biomass, in addition to pressures from commercial and aquiculture practices, as well as loss of spawning habitat due to dams, forestry practices and human development, are all key contributors to the decline of Chinook salmon populations. To address both declines in resident orca and Chinook salmon populations, the Suzuki Foundation is proposing a ban on recreational boaters, whale watching and recreational fishing. The Foundation believes these proposed measures will ensure southern and northern resident Orcas have unfettered and exclusive access to remaining Chinook salmon populations, and will re-build Chinook stocks. Link to hear from a key Suzuki Foundation scientist about the proposed measures and their rationale this week on Blue fish Radio

Foreign species are invading the Great Lakes in numbers and varieties that are continuously, profoundly and drastically reconfiguring our aquatic ecosystems. What do we need to know and how can we play a role in preventing the introduction and spread of invasives is this week’s topic on Blue Fish Radio.
Link to hear Lawrence Gunther speak with biologist Rachel Barrington about her work to inform and inspire people to fight invasives, and what happens when we lose.

FB: Dr. Chris Harvey-Clarke is the Director of Animal Care for all three Dalhousie University east-coast campuses. His passion is the study of Greenland sharks to the point now that he’s the go-to guy for TV programs such as Discovery channel’s Daily Planet and the River Monster series. Way more than that though, Chris is a world leader in his field, and is working hard to train Canada’s next generation of marine biologists by bringing them out on the water to gain first-hand experience with these deep-dwelling Canadian sharks.

Link to hear Chris share some of his amazing face-to-face observations this week on Blue Fish Radio.
Link to learn more about the research underway:
http://divingalmanac.com/hms-raleigh

Max Finkelstein had an idea that the rivers of Canada and the United States shared much in common, and organized a team of paddlers to prove his point. Together they paddled a voyager canoe from Ottawa to Washington; a trip that would prove far more challenging than first surmised.

Link to hear Max talk about the risks of paddling through some of North America’s largest cities this week on Blue fish Radio.

Few have accomplished anything close to what Max Finkelstein has undertaken with a paddle and canoe. He’s literally traversed Canada along throughout the north, and has led an expedition from Ottawa to Washington. Along the way he published two books about his adventures. Max is still at it, but took some time to share some of his hard-earned lessons on Blue fish Radio in a two part series. Part one covers his trips throughout Canada.

Link to hear Max talk about seeing Canada through two sets of eyes on Blue fish Radio.

Each year Andy and Vida Pallotta host the Canadian Sport Fishing Hall of Fame Awards as part of their Toronto Spring Fishing and Boat Show. It’s a class act put on by classy people. No shortage of top shelf spectators in the crowd as well, and this week on Blue Fish Radio we speak with a bunch of the best and brightest in the industry to hear what they think about the Canadian Sport Fishing Hall of Fame and this year’s inductee Dave Mercer.

Link to hear what folks like Bob Izumi, Angelo Viola, Pete Bowman, Big Jim McLaughlin and top industry and media leaders have to say about Dave Mercer and his induction into the Canadian Sport fishing Hall of Fame.

Canada has set the goal to establish marine protection areas for 10 per cent of our oceans by 2020. What this all means for recreational fishers and others has yet to be determined. In the short-term, Bill C55 is intended to require the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to apply precautionary restrictions that could put a stop to recreational fishing without first having conducted the science that would justify adopting such a strong measure. It’s a Ministerial requirement that concerns Dr. Larry McKinney, a biologist that has created numerous successful MPA’s along the Gulf of Mexico, and an expert witness called to testify before a Parliamentary committee responsible for reviewing the proposed Bill. Link here to hear Dr. McKinney’s concerns over the Bill and its mandated precautionary approach this week on Blue Fish Radio.

Mr. Tom Brooke is one of Canada’s greatest ambassadors for recreational fishing. He’s personally been involved in driving forward many of the transformative changes that helped ensure the tradition of recreational fishing has evolved to meet technological and environmental changes throughout North America. Tom’s hand in developing the water weigh-in system used by fishing tournaments, forming the Canadian Sport Fishing Industry Association, and his recent honorary appointment to Canada’s all-party Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus are just a few of his many accomplishments and recognitions. Learn why Tom has no plans on retiring soon on this week’s episode of Blue Fish Radio – Toms engaged in his biggest challenge yet -- ensuring angler access to their waters now at risk due to rules contained within newly proposed Marine Protection Areas.

Link here to listen to Tom Brooke reflect on past and Future Challenges to Recreational fishing this week on Blue Fish Canada.

In 2015, Stan Proboszcz, staff scientist with watershed watch, was asked to be on a government science steering committee examining an Infectious Virus found on salmon farms and its risk to wild salmon. Stan had concerns about being on a government-led committee, especially after the Cohen Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser Sockeye Salmon concluded that DFO may have a pro-salmon farming bias. Now that the steering committee has published their final report, Stan is speaking out. Link here to hear why Stan is now speaking openly about his concerns with the committee’s findings this week on Blue Fish Radio.
Link here for more on a petition being organized by Watershed Watch.

www.SafePassage4salmon.ca

John Anderson from the Ottawa River Musky Factory is our guest this week on Blue Fish Radio. John also features in the first of ten stories told in the feature documentary What Lies Below. Having operated on the River for 18 years now, it’s safe to say no one knows the Ottawa River’s Musky as well as John. He’s also committed to ensuring the fishery survives and thrives.

Link here to learn more about the mighty Musky and what John Anderson is doing to ensure their on-going domination of the River.

In order to reduce the size of government and speed up approval processes, public oversight of BC resources has been drastically reduced over the past 15 years. Professional reliance became the BC government’s term for the way natural resources are now managed. This approach lets corporations hire consultants to monitor and approve their industrial activities, instead of government scientists and engineers. Many call what has taken place in BC “putting the foxes in charge of the henhouse.”
The BC government is now conducting a review of professional reliance, and the deadline for input is January 19. Any BC resident whose waters or lands are affected by professional reliance,” please

Provide input to the Province by January 19.
Here is a recent blog post Andrew Gage, staff lawyer for West Coast Environmental Law, recently posted on the subject
https://www.wcel.org/blog/professional-reliance-or-regulatory-outsourcing

On December 28 2017 the Pacific Huron Bulk Carrier, a623-foot vessel Loaded with soybean, ran aground along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River near Wellesley Island, 1,000 feet outside the channel. On January 1 2018 the Federal Biscay, a 650 foot bulk carrier became stuck in Snell Lock near Massena / Cornwall, the last lock on the St. Lawrence River. Even though the official shipping season for the St. Lawrence Seaway officially ended on December 31, 2017, these two ships, plus three others, had yet to complete their journeys down the St. Lawrence.

Locals, water activists, fishers and indigenous are concerned over the prospects of having five large ships frozen in place for the winter and the potential ecological disaster their present’s poses. It wasn’t until January 9 2018 that all 5 commercial vessels cleared the last lock, and with the assistance of the Canadian ice breaker Martha L Black, and the support of five tugs, made their way down to Montreal and beyond.

Throughout this two-week period of high-stakes drama, authorities responsible for the Seaway and its use by commercial ships offered the public little information.
If it wasn’t for the persistence of the Upper St. Lawrence RiverKeper and CEO of Save the River, Lee Willbanks, people would still be left wondering exactly what just happened and if There River and lives were endangered.

Joining Lawrence Gunther on Episode 172 of Blue fish Radio to tell us what he managed to learn about the ships and the potential danger the five ships posed to people and the River is Lee Willbanks, CEO of Save the River and the Upper St. Lawrence RiverKeeper.

Link here to listen to Lee and Lawrence discuss what this incident represents and why regulators and industry need to examine the series of events to learn what they need to do differently in future.



For more on this topic visit the Watertown Daily Times editorial,

Know your limits: Year-round shipping in seaway a disaster waiting to happen

Or the Channel 7 (local TV station),
Group Wants Shorter Shipping Season in Wake Of Seaway Snag

Dr. David Philipp has dedicated his life to understanding the interplay between anglers and fish. This week on Blue Fish Radio, Dr. Philipp discusses his research on Bass and other fish populations, and how certain fishing pressures can influence their ability to spawn successfully. He also challenges anglers with a mission to change regulations that would address current conservation inadequacies and boost fish populations by as much as 50 per cent.

The following links offer more information about Dr. Philipp’s research and work with the Queens University Biology Station and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation:

http://www.queensu.ca/qubs/homehttp://www.queensu.ca/qubs/home
www.fishconserve.org

The Queen's University Biological Stationand its Director Dr. Stephen Lougheed are working hard to make sure scientists, researchers and the public have the tools and opportunities to conduct field research necessary to track environmental change. From frogs to fish, the over 50 buildings have hosted research on ecology, evolution, conservation, geography and environmental science for over 70 years. Not only scientists and researchers can access QUBS, but citizen scientists are also welcome to take advantage of a variety of different programs run out of the Elbow Lake Biodiversity Centre. Dedicated staff like Emily Verhoek, the Centres Outreach & Teaching Coordinator, are reaching out to people of all ages. Listen to Episode 169 of Blue Fish Radio
To hear more about the exciting research underway and how you too can get involved.

Blue Fish Radio episode 168 reflects on reconciliation and resource access rights. Listen to indigenous leaders from across Canada reflect and offer advice on how we can work together to develop sustainable access to Canada’s wild renewable resources.

Stephanie Woodworth is a Youth Advisor for Waterlution who moved to Toronto from Dryden Ontario to pursue a Masters. We asked her to be this week’s guest on Blue fish Radio as she really has a tremendous message to offer. It’s about connecting to nature using all your senses, and how it’s only through establishing real relationships with water that you can become a true steward. Walk the talk right down to the shore and don’t stop until your feet are wet….
https://www.facebook.com/shenanigansalldayeveryday

Fly Fishing International Certified instructor Joannie De Lasablonniere has instructed over 100 women to fly fish since launching her business in 2016, La Peche Au Feminin. When she’s not teaching women, she’s introducing the sport to youth ages 12-18, and leading them on fishing trips from the Gaspesie to the Keys. She’s one of only five female Fly Fishing International certified instructors in Canada, and her biggest fish to date is an 8-foot Black Tip Shark.
https://www.facebook.com/lapecheaufeminin

Lake2Plate is a new video series designed to inspire viewers to harvest and prepare fish and wild forage in ways that both celebrate our shore-lunch tradition, and the ability to harvest wild fish and food sustainably using local knowledge and science-based selection techniques. Our first Lake2Plate took place on the Ottawa River and featured Steve Mitton from the Whalesbone restaurant. Lawrence Gunther teaches Steve to fish, and learns some amazing campfire cooking techniques in return.

Jim coffee, Owner of Esprit Whitewater, starts us off with his vision of eco-tourism on the upper Ottawa River, and why he feels it’s essential that everyone experience paddling a canoe, raft, kayak or paddleboard, and whether fishing or rafting, why it’s vital that we all form connections with our rivers, lakes or bays. Lawrence Gunther follows up Jim’s comments with his own opinion on what it means to be both a steward and angler.

Meredith Brown, Ottawa’s Riverkeeper, and talks to us about how we all need to take responsibility for our rivers, and why fishing is one of a number of perfectly acceptable ways to demonstrate a commitment to the wellbeing of the ecosystem.

Forager Chef Matthew Brearley discusses the First Nations origins of many of the wild foods now found along the banks of the Ottawa River.
We then here from fish biologist Shannon Bower about the important role recreational fishing plays within society and the economy, and how anglers play a key role in conducting fish health research.

Ron Ferguson from Irish Creek Outfitters explains how his livelihood is directly connected to the productivity of the River, and what he advises his clients when considering the removal of a large predatory fish.

Steve Mitton from the Whalesbone Restaurant then discusses the value of purchasing and preparing fish that are sustainably caught and what you should look for when judging freshness.
We end with Chris Thompson from Whitewater Brewery on why he and his co-owners take serious the sustainable production of beer and the operation of their restaurants.

It was my honor to organize a shore-side feast in celebration of the stewardship role each of these local champions play to ensure future generations of people will have the opportunity to experience nature in traditional and sustainable ways.

In part two of this two-part interview with Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, Dianne Saxe, we discuss the miss-guided actions of government and the impacts on Ontario’s environment, people and economy. We also review the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s risk-based approach to protecting species at risk, which the ECO report asserts has yet to protect a single species, and what this means for turtles and the Algonquin or Eastern wolf. We also learn about the unacceptable delays behind improving the environmental bill of rights.

In part one of this two-part interview with Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, Dianne Saxe, we delve into the industrial tragedy that has haunted two first nations communities in north-western Ontario for over 50 years. The paper mill located on the Wabigoon-English River system continues to impact the Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong Communities following an estimated initial dump of 11 tons of Mercury into the environment. We also explore the reasons behind the blue-green algae issues in Lake Erie and elsewhere, and why the government is dragging its heels on addressing what’s clearly the main source of the problem.

American Eel once dominated the great lakes and their many tributaries. As much as 80% of the biomass in the system consisted of eels. Habitat loss, excessive commercial fishing, and hydroelectric dams have all impacted their abundance, which is now estimated to be about 1% of their former glory. Listen to Episode 162 of Blue Fish Radio as Matt Windle, Biologist with the St. Lawrence River Institute for Environmental Research, explains how he and his volunteers carry out their annual night-time fall survey of American Eels on the St. Lawrence River. Joining in to give her account on how the survey work unfolded is Blue fish Canada volunteer Lisa Goodier.

Disentangling whales from commercial fishing gear and just about anything else we put into oceans is an increasingly growing concern. More whales, more whale watchers, and more ways for commercial fishers and others to report entanglements, means more work for the 75 NOAA certified disentanglers located along North America’s east and west coasts. They work on whales of all sizes including humpback, North Atlantic right, sperm, minke, fin, sei, and blue whales. It’s the North Atlantic Right Whale that poses the greatest challenge due to their size and strength – 83% of their estimated 500 population already having experienced entanglements – many on multiple occasions.

Dr. Steven Cooke’s team at Carleton University helps protect and manage fisheries and aquatic ecosystems by researching Conservation Physiology, a discipline which examines how fish and other organisms respond to change. A new research initiative by the Cooke Lab is studying Ontario’s Rideau Watershed, including tagging, tracking and monitoring small and large-mouth bass using acoustic receivers and micro acoustic transmitters. For the study to be successful, the Lab requires the assistance of anglers by participating in a 10-minute survey about their experience fishing the Rideau Watershed, and by donating to the “Fund a fish” program. Donors will receive personalized information on the fish they've "funded," including where it was tagged, where it swam, and ultimately, how the data the fish provided will improve fisheries management in the area.

The Inuit of Labrador and the federal government have signed a deal that will see the Inuit participate in the development of a marine-management plan covering more than 380,000 square kilometers of coastal waters on the far eastern end of Canada’s Northwest Passage. The plan, which is expected to govern shipping, resource extraction, water quality, species management, conservation of historical sites and other matters of key importance to the Inuit such as tourism, hunting and fishing, comes as climate change and the decline of Arctic sea ice are opening the passage to an increasing amount of ship traffic. The end result is expected to be the first Indigenous protected area in Canada. Listen as Lawrence Gunther speaks with the Nunatsiavut Government‘s Minister of Lands and Natural Development, Darryl Shiwak, about the proposed plan in episode 159 of Blue fish Radio.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission was established in 1955 by the Canadian/U.S. Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries. The commission coordinates fisheries research, controls the invasive sea lamprey, and facilitates cooperative fishery management among the state, provincial, tribal, and federal management agencies. Today’s guest on Blue fish Radio is Marc Gaden, PhD, professor at Michigan State University and Communications Director and Legislative Liaison for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. With so many of us focusing on drinking water and the swimability of the Great Lakes, we often over-look the health of the fish and their importance to commercial, tribal and recreational fishers. Link here to listen to Episode 15X of Blue Fish Radio and what Dr. Mark Gaden has to say about Great Lakes Fish health

Blue Fish Radio presents Oceana Canada’s Director of Science, Dr. Robert Rangeley, who’s fresh off the boat from his underwater exploration of the Gulf of St Lawrence. Together with Canada’s Department of Fisheries, Dr. Rangeley and government scientists operated a 3,000 kilo remotely operated vehicle at depths of 400 meters, where they explored the seafloors bountiful thriving diverse life. The extent of the marine life covering the ocean floor and at all depths was astonishing, and proves without doubt Canada’s oceans deserve our stewardship to continue to provide healthy and sustainable food for centuries to come. For more about the research initiative, visit:
www.oceana.ca/GulfofStLawrence

Fish physiologist Dr Dominique Lapointe is engaged in crucial research at the St. Lawrence Institute for Environmental Science. From Northern Pike to the invasive Round Goby, Dr. Lapointe is determined to figure out what it all means for the St. Lawrence ecosystem and the native fish that make the River their home. Dr. Lapointe started her research in the Golf of St. Lawrence, moved to Virginia, then Brazil, Uganda, Cambodia, before returning home to Canada. Listen as Lawrence and Dominique discuss the real and potential changes already underway on
the St. Lawrence and around the world as a result of our choices this week on Blue Fish Radio.

Lawrence Gunther may be North America’s only totally blind
professional angler. Having competed in over 125 fishing tournaments, Lawrence surpasses most of his sighted competition most of the time. Listen to this week’s Blue fish Radio Episode 155 as Lawrence gives up his blind fishing secrets.

For centuries now when the tide rolls out the table is set for
Canada’s West Coast First Nations people. This is basic food security for people who depend on wild food year-round. Bob Chamberlin, Elected Chief Councillor for Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa'mis, shares the First Nations perspective on wild and farmed west coast salmon this week on Blue Fish Radio.

As anticipated, 2017 is proving to be a difficult year for BC’s wild
salmon. Pacific Ocean temperatures in 2015 were much warmer than average, attracting competitors and predators from southern waters, and reducing the quantity and quality of prey for salmon. Making matters worse, BC’s wild salmon are being forced to share their diminished food supply with a record number of salmon being released from hatcheries in Alaska, Russia, and Japan. Greg Taylor, Senior Fisheries Advisor with Watershed Watch’s Salmon Society recently released a regional breakdown of the 2017 wild salmon returns along Canada’s Pacific coast, and shares his findings and conclusions this
week on episode 153 of Blue Fish Radio.

It’s no secret that recreational fishing and boating are facing an
incredible challenge. Current participation trends show younger, more diverse audiences are reluctant to take up fishing and boating, all while older white males are aging out of these activities. To address these challenges head-on, the U.S. Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation has embarked on a grand effort to grow participation to 60 million anglers by 2021. This week on Blue Fish Radio Frank Peterson, President and CEO of the Foundation outlines the goals and resources found at www.TakeMeFishing.Org designed to have 2nd-place angling
surpass jogging as the most popular outdoor activity.
https://www.facebook.com/TakeMeFishing/

Danielle Dion is the Senior Naturalist for Quoddy Link Marine going on 16 years and knows a thing or two about Right Whales. At the time this interview was recorded, 11 dead Right Whales had been discovered off the north-east coast of North America. With only 520 North Atlantic Right Whales in existence, this 2% decline in their numbers over the past five weeks is a wake-up call for everyone who has an interest in these waters. Why and what needs to happen is the focus this week on Blue Fish Radio.

The U.S. “Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act” seeks to apply modern management approaches, science and technology to guide decision-making over saltwater recreational fishing. Lawrence Gunther speaks with Mike Leonard, Conservation Director for the American Sportfishing Association, and learns more about plans to increase access to saltwater recreational fishing opportunities along the U.S. coastline. The ASA hopes the new Act will raise the status of recreational anglers to be on par with commercial fishers.

NOAA scientists record sound in the deepest part of the world’s ocean and discover a cacophony of sounds both natural and human generated. For three weeks, a titanium-encased hydrophone recorded ambient noise from the ocean floor at a depth of more than 36,000 feet, or 7 miles, in the Challenger Deep trough in the Mariana Trench near Micronesia. [more for the website follows] The pressure at that depth is incredible. Atmospheric pressure in the average home or office is 14.7 pounds per square inch (PSI); it is more than 16,000 PSI at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. “You would think that the deepest part of the ocean would be one of the quietest places on Earth,” said Robert Dziak, a NOAA research oceanographer and chief project scientist. “Yet there is almost constant noise. The ambient sound field is dominated by the sound of earthquakes, both near and far, as well as distinct moans of baleen whales. The hydrophone also picked up sound from ship propellers. The project was designed to establish a baseline for ambient noise in the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean. Human-created noise has increased steadily in recent decades and getting these first recordings allows scientists in the future to determine if the noise levels are growing and how this might affect marine animals that use sound to communicate, navigate and feed, such as whales, dolphins and fish. In early 2017 researchers will deploy the hydrophone for a longer period of time and attach a deep-ocean camera. Bob Dziak and his fellow researchers all work for NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in the Acoustics Program located at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center.
http://www.noaa.gov/media-release/seven-miles-deep-ocean-is-still-noisy-place

In this episode of Blue Fish Radio, Craig Oliver, host of Challenges and Change on AMI TV, gets Lawrence Gunther in the visitor’s chair where he opens up and shares personal thoughts and stories about turning his complete loss of sight into a tool that made him one of Canada’s leading voices on sustainable fishing. We learn how he visualizes underwater ecosystems that make up 70% of the earth’s surface, and how he utilized this skill to successfully compete in over 125 fishing tournaments to date where he beats most of his sighted competitors most of the time. Lawrence reflects on his summers
spent as a commercial Cod fisher along Canada’s east coast, and how this work not only provided the economic support needed to attend university and earn his Masters in Environmental Studies, but awoke his passion for documenting and promoting traditional and sustainable fish harvesting practices after witnessing the collapse of the North Atlantic Cod fishery. We also learn about Lawrence’s fascination with technology, and how this led to his developing the world’s first fishing boat for the blind. Finally, Lawrence shares how he has adopted the philosophy of being a “net giver” to his community, a value learned when conducting extensive field research among Inuit and Native communities in Canada’s western Arctic. It’s a candid and thought-provoking exchange people will find both
compelling and inspiring.

In part two of this Blue Fish Radio episode, Matthew Owl, the First Nations Manager of Ritchie Falls Resort, speaks to Lawrence Gunther about growing up on reserve with an Ojibwa father and a mother who comes from New York City. Mathew touches on his 15 years of experience with delivering and promoting indigenous tourism, and how he and his family found themselves leading on the purchase and eventual
transformation of Ritchie Falls Resort, a 100-year old fish/hunt camp located just north-west of Sudbury Ontario. Five years into the project, over $1-million invested in rebuilding infrastructure, and the business is turning a profit. Matthew and Lawrence explore what it takes to learn from past mistakes and to forge new opportunities in business and in life.

Matthew Owl and his wife Kyla are the new managers and promoters of Ritchie Falls, a 100-year old fishing and hunting resort. After being purchased in 2012 by a local First Nations business consortium, Ritchie Falls has been going through significant structural and mandate changes. Revitalizing aging fish and hunt businesses, many of whom have experienced steady declines in their return customers due to aging demographics, requires a new approach. Ritchie Falls is now
moving away from its former exclusive focus on consumptive activities such as hunting and fishing, and is incorporating indigenous eco-tourism as part of its new service offerings as it moves to operate year-round. In part one of this 2-part Blue fish Radio interview with Matthew Owl we learn about the challenges of starting over while still honoring Ritchie Falls’ spirit and customer base. Episode 145 featured Matthew’s business and life Partner, Kyla Lee Owl, a dedicated bow huntress and fishing guide.

In episode 145 of Blue fish Radio Lawrence Gunther sits down with Ritchie Falls Resort’s co-manager and guide Kyla Lee Owl to discuss her passion for hunting and fishing. A dedicated bow huntress and angler, Kyla walks Lawrence through the process of sustainably managing the 1,000 square kilometer bear hunt area deeded to the Resort by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Hear why Kyla believes women hunters are far more likely to bag large game. Kyla talks about her life journey circling back-around to her origins where she’s most comfortable – in the wild. And now, Kyla and her life partner Matthew Owl are working hard to transform Ritchie Falls Resort into an indigenous-inspired eco-tourism year-round operation.

Up-coming Blue Fish episodes #146 and #147 feature Matthew Owl, the other half of this dynamic duo, where we learn more about how the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nations community and the town of Massey are benefiting from the revitalization of the Resort.

Each year Blue Fish Canada volunteers attend and exhibit at outdoor and adventure shows throughout North America. There exhibits are known for the amazing free tools and advice handed out to visitors. From guides on how to be a steward of your favorite fishing hole, to shoreline clean-up kits and more, visitors walk away with the knowledge and the tools to become stronger stewards of their fisheries. In addition to exhibiting, Lawrence Gunther, president of Blue fish Canada, is often asked to speak on stage to share his learnings and stories. Lawrence’s engaging style and humor keep audiences riveted. This year the theme of Lawrence’s presentation was the right tackle for the job. It’s unrealistic to expect that a single fishing rod will serve well under all conditions. Bringing the right tool to the job means getting it done right. This means fish can be sustainably and successfully harvested. This week on Blue Fish Radio Lawrence Gunther speaks to a pack crowd at the 2017 Toronto Sportsman Show about the amazing fish he’s caught around the world, most of which were released.

Bren Smith shifted from a career in commercial fishing to become a farmer of the ocean. After 15 years of trialing ideas on how to grow sea vegetables and other food on his 20-acre patch of Atlantic Ocean, he took his hard-earned lessons and started GreenWave.org, a program that is spawning an entirely new breed of pioneer restorative 3D ocean farmers. It’s truly the new frontier that will ultimately feed the world, or so says CNN, The New Yorker, Bon Appetite, National Geographic Television, and the Wall Street Journal.

Shorelines are places where two worlds come together with amazing results. Since the beginning of time Shorelines have engaged and educated children about nature and life. Joanne Saunders teaches early childhood education and owns and operates two day-cares, but what distinguishes her from the rest is her personal philosophy that you can’t introduce kids to nature soon enough. Working with children as young as 18 months, Joanne keeps it simple by substituting playground
equipment with nature’s own gifts. Lawrence Gunther explores with Joanne the importance of continuing the crucial developmental opportunity shorelines provide children of all ages in this episode of Blue Fish Radio.

Frank Kuiack has been a fishing guide in Ontario’s Algonquin Park for over seven decades and has seen more than his fair-share of change and hardship. He’s a big fan of the Splake hybrid fish that now dominates the stocking process. Listen as Frank shares his observations that he believes offers proof positive that climate change is real. Frank also reveals the name of his favorite lake.

The U.S. and Canadian governments adopted a new Great Lakes water level management plan in December 2016 designed to create and sustain wetlands. After record rains this spring, the IJC is scrambling to explain what if any their new plan had to do with the flooding experienced on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. This week on Blue fish Radio, Lawrence Gunther speaks with the IJC’s Engineer Advisor, David Fay, about the plan and what was tried to moderate the flooding.

Lake Ontario" Waterkeeper Mark Mattson is concerned over the
increasing plastics found in the lake and what it means for fish
health. In addition to fighting this growing blight, Mattson is busy promoting The water mark project responsible for gathering local knowledge in the form of people’s personal water stories, and the "Swim drink fish" initiative that includes the swim guide, an app for mobile devices to give real time updates on water quality for over 8,000 beaches around the world. This week on Blue Fish Radio Mark speaks with Lawrence about these and other projects underway designed to reconnect people with their water in positive ways, and how such personal connections are essential if we are to ensure the future sustainability of our rivers and lakes.

The Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation Club is a charter organization of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, an operates within the city limits of Canada’s capital Ottawa. Blue Fish Radio interviews the club’s President, Barry Lancaster, to learn how a number of small outdoor clubs band together to fight for their right to fish and hunt traditional lands that suddenly were amalgamated under the newly expanded City of Ottawa. Not only is this club thriving, but it’s proactively working with youth and partner organizations to promote an appreciation and the conservation of the outdoors.

Robert Lennox is a PhD candidate at Carleton University and recently co-authored the report, “What Makes a Fish Catchable by Hook and Line”. Roberts this week’s guest on Blue Fish Radio because, who doesn’t want to know why fish aren’t biting. Lawrence and Robert discuss the origins of hooks and lines, and their various applications to recreational, commercial and subsistence fishing. The predator -prey dynamic is discussed, how fish move between vulnerability and invulnerability, and how certain fish learn to avoid capture. Of importance to us all, is the research Robert hopes to do next to create a stronger understanding about how hook and line fishing can increase catch efficiency and selectivity to improve the sustainability of our commercial fisheries.

. Mike reveals how his commitment to conservation
started early, and what led him to pursue a career in the outdoors, from a tournament pro, to co-hosting "Fishing Canada TV", and now host of his own show, "Angler and Hunter Television". Mike reflects on the link between people and nature, and why we need to stay connected to the circle of life by respecting and participating in nature’s cycles. Turns out, both Mike and Lawrence have more than fishing

Gord Ellis is an angler, hunter, guide and outdoor columnist who hangs his hat in Thunder Bay Ontario. With over 1,000 published articles to his name and over 20 awards for his writing, he’s more than well-known along the north-west shore of Superior. More than that though, he’s respected for his conservation ethic and willingness to share his passion and hard-earned local knowledge to both young and old alike. Lawrence Gunther and his guide dog Moby met up with Gord on a beautiful April day to fish for Steelhead on three area ice-cold rivers. While warming up, Gord and Lawrence took a few minutes to
reflect on the role of social media as a tool for sharing local
knowledge and observations in ways that build informal networks of citizen scientists committed to the conservation of natural resources, this week on Blue Fish Radio.

This week on Blue Fish Radio Lawrence speaks with Sarah
McMichael from the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association about their many initiatives to ensure the tradition of fishing is passed on from Canada’s 8-million anglers to the next
generation along with a sense of responsibility for ensuring the resource is sound. Keep Canada Fishing, is just one of the initiatives designed to inform anglers about opportunities for protecting their tradition and conserving fish stocks for future generations. Listen as Sarah explains some of the other national programs supported by the industry, and what some of the bigger emerging issues on the horizon might mean for our angling legacy.

Alaya Boisvert, manager of government relations for the Blue Dot Initiative at the David Suzuki Foundation, joins Lawrence Gunther this week on Blue fish Radio to discuss how countries around the world – 110 in total to date – have adopted an environmental bill of rights. Blue Dot is a grass-roots initiative sweeping across Canada that has now led to over 150 Canadian municipalities doing the same. Included is a statement from David Suzuki proclaiming his own love for fishing salmon, and his concerns over current unsustainable commercial fishing
practices in our oceans. Alaya puts forward a strong case for why Canada needs to adopt an environmental bill of rights to ensure a future that includes a healthy life-sustaining environment for all, and one that ensures future generations are able to engage in the tradition of fishing.

Michael Sklad and his family and friends have found a way to bring fishing to kids and families who might not otherwise have the opportunity or inclination to pursue fishing. Not only is it a
collection of fun activities, but it’s informative and designed to
pass on knowledge that will help ensure the future of fish and
fishing.

I met Terry Bachmeier at a screening of What Lies Below along with his son and grandson. The next day I received an email from Terry, a man in his early 70’s, telling me about growing up in Uranium City in northern Saskatchewan. I visited the community after it was abandoned, but Terry brings the town back to life as he relates his childhood experiences of helping to feed his 11 brothers and sisters through fishing and hunting, while gaining intimate knowledge of the surrounding wilderness and the dangers posed by the many uranium mines that blighted the landscape. It’s a beautiful but tragic story people
need to hear this week on Blue fish Radio.

Having fished the B1 Bass tournament series on many occasions, I was curious to learn more about Ben Woo’s expansion plans. One of the largest Bass tournaments in Canada is growing exponentially with events now planned for three locations across Quebec and Ontario. Live from the 2017 Toronto Sportsman Show, Ben Woo and his Conservation Director, Jason Barnucz, discuss what it takes to ensure the hundreds of Bass pursued, caught and weighed are returned back to their habitat in good health.

Proposed 97% White-house budget cuts to the Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative and 25% cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency have 125 mayors of cities along the shores of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence up in arms. Mr. David A. Ullrich, Executive Director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative speaks about the important work undertaken to date to restore one of the world’s largest freshwater resources after a century of industrial destruction. Foreign fish species like Asian Carp are just waiting for us to drop our guard and gain access to the lakes, and Lamprey populations could easily rebound if mitigation efforts were to stop – all of which could spell disaster for the $7-billion annual commercial and sport fishery. With so much at stake, does it make sense to risk it all?

This week on Blue Fish Radio we seek evidence of the mystical scale journalists use to balance economic interests with environmental sustainability. Part two of our conversation with Lorne Johnson explores how Canadian business leaders are moving away from balancing such interests, and instead, adopting an ecological approach to business. We discuss the rise of electric cars, and just why the media keeps falling back on presenting stories using conflict. Lorne offers examples of how social media is helping to make ground-breaking businesses the next generation of world environmental leaders.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation wants to know why Newfoundland’s Environment Minister took a pass on conducting an environmental review of the largest-ever salmon farm being proposed for Placentia Bay. More than 19 rivers that lead to the Bay are utilized by wild Atlantic Salmon – a species in this region already in trouble. The Federation would like a study conducted to determine the potential impacts of growing out 7 million farmed salmon in Placentia Bay so people can make informed decisions, and isn’t that what balancing the economy with the environment is all about?

In part one of this 2-part series, we hear from Lorne Johnson, one of Canada’s leading consultants serving private foundations. Lorne offers insights on the role forestry managers now play in ensuring the sustainable management of Canada’s largest renewable resource. We then discuss the role of environmental groups and their challenge in engaging the public to address climate change, and why such groups need to offer stronger economic rationale to elicit action. We discuss how humans became soft-wired to spot danger and react accordingly, and how such conditioning is responsible for our ability to respond to adversity. Last, Lorne walks us through the decision making process foundations go through when selecting organizations to fund.

Brockville is one of North America's newest entries into the world of super-sized hands-on public Aquatariums. In this episode of Blue Fish Radio, Thomas Harder, The Aquatarium's Director of Animal Husbandry, takes us for a hands-on tour of the facility and reflects about it's origins and future.

Rick McGowan has taken his 30-year fight with a wealthy BC Ranch owner all the way to the BC Supreme Court. It's about exercising the public's right to access public water using public roads, but that's not how property owner of the 250,000 hector ranch sees it. The Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club does though, and so do many others who are lining up behind Rick and his Club to see this fight through to the end.

Oceana Canada's Director of Science, Dr. Robert Rangeley, is a marine biologist with extensive field experience on and in the waters. His research includes predatory behaviour and habitat
use, and he’s one of the brains behind Oceana Canada's new marine life encyclopedia. Listen and learn why understanding the amazing species that call Canada’s three oceans home is all part of Oceana’s philosophy of science-based advocacy and fisheries management. Hear how Canada’s fisheries are fairing, why there’s still plenty of room for improvement, and what other exciting actions Oceana is planning for the coming year.

With a quarter century of fishing and diving experience
in Cuban waters, Capt. Phil Thompson has launched a new guide service called Fish Cuba Now. He offers angling and diving adventures throughout Cuba, a new frontier regarded by many as possessing some of the most pristine marine habitats on Earth. Listen to how Thompson is also making sure the resource will be managed sustainably on this week’s episode of Blue fish Radio.

World respected environmental trail blazer, Larry McDermott, a member of Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, and Executive Director of Plenty Canada, an organization dedicated to environmental protection and healthy communities, and co-chair of the Canadian Environmental Network Biodiversity Caucus, speaks with Blue Fish on reconciliation, friendship, and the need to respect both indigenous knowledge and western science equally. Larry says, Rights means taking responsibility for living within nature’s means, and this means everyone needs to work together.

Ensuring our seafood is harvested in a sustainable way is
up to us all. In this episode of Blue fish Radio Lawrence Gunther
walks us through the roles of the many different stakeholders and players that are working hard to improve the sustainability of our seafood fisheries, and offers guidance on what each of us can do to play a part in realizing the goal of sustainable wild fish stocks in our oceans.

Taking a big picture approach is exactly what Christopher Bos and the Anglers Coalition is doing with their plans for introducing millions of Chinook salmon into the Pacific. Tired of watching their ecosystem slowly deteriorate due to a host of documented pressures, this group of concerned citizens is taking action. Their goal, to introduce enough salmon into the Pacific Ocean off the south end of Vancouver Island to ensure an ample supply of food for the three area Orca pods, J, K and L. They understand that if the apex predator in the system is doing well, then the entire ecosystem is strong. Listen to this week’s Blue fish Radio interview with the Coalition’s president, Christopher Bos, as we hear first-hand about their plans to
bring about positive change.

We were able to produce 52 new Blue fish Radio episodes in 2016,
and are planning another 52 for 2017. This season closer is a
collection of sage advice provided by some of the greatest anglers
I’ve had the privilege of knowing. It’s advice we all need to reflect
on as its not normally what you read or hear on TV. It makes sense
though.

SeaChoice is a completely independently funded sustainable sea
food consumption advisory program designed to help retailers and consumers to make smart choices when purchasing seafood. Their economic independence means no added cost or beholding to producers, processors or retailers, and a free service for everyone involved with seafood from ship to plate. Listen as Kurtis Hayne, the Sustainable Seafood Market Analyst for SeaChoice, discusses how Canada is on the way to becoming 100% sustainable, but still has some serious heavy lifting ahead if we are going to get there before it’s too late for certain popular seafood choices that have yet to make it off of the “red” list of unsustainably harvested fish.

The goal is to return to sustainability of wild-capture
fisheries so we can harvest wild grown food now and in the future. Knowing that we are getting what we buy also means ocean to plate traceability. Well, the Marine Stewardship Council says Canada is 2/3 of the way there. When you buy a product with the blue MSC label, you’re helping to protect the productivity and health of our oceans, and the livelihoods that depend upon them.

Description: The Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto couldn't be more
centrally located and it’s just steps away from Lake Ontario. Out of respect for their regional fish, the exhibits start with a full
complement of amazing fish specimens that call the Great Lakes home. Further along an things just get more exciting with glass tubes that pass under the marine exhibit holding all manner of marine animals – many of which are swimming directly overhead. Our goal in making this episode however, was to go behind the tanks and learn what it takes to keep an aquarium with 10-million liters of water and countless fish
thriving.

Journalist Christopher Pollon and photographer Ben Nelms
recently canoed the 93 km stretch of the Peace River soon to be
submerged should British Columbia’s proposed Site C dam be built. Christopher speaks to Blue Fish Radio about the magnificent Bull Trout fishing, unique habitat, the people who live along its banks, and the economic and political drivers spurring on the dam’s construction. The one question no one can seem to answer, “Is it necessary”? Pick up your copy of Chris and Ben’s book, “The Peace in Peril: The Real Cost `of the Site C Dam”, put out by Harbour Publishing.

Anastasia Lintner was hired by 50 water activist organizations to
draft recommended amendments to Canada’s Fisheries Act as part of the Department of Ocean and Fisheries consultation process. Lawrence and Anastasia discuss the importance of using protection zones prudently, the need to include both native and local voices and knowledge at decision making tables, why ministerial discretion needs to be transparent, and the importance of putting back safeguards that were removed from the Fisheries Act in 2012.

Luc Girard is one of those amazing committed anglers who
spends just as much time engaged in stewarding the St-Lawrence River as he does chasing their elusive monster Musky. He recently caught a 56-inch Musky and many expert Musky anglers believe the river will eventually turn up the next world record.

Reno Viola co-founded and hosted both the Fish'n Canada
TV and Outdoor Journal Radio shows. He was inducted along with his brother Angelo into the Canadian Sport fishing Hall of Fame in 2010, and has recently founded WRVO Network One, a 24-7 web streaming outdoor radio show. Reno speaks to Lawrence about the importance of being real, honest, and ready to take on the role of teacher when it comes to setting the right example for others.

As the Executive Director of Oceana Canada, Josh Laugrehn
has a lot to say about the state of Canada's commercial Fisheries, and it's not that much different than what was recently reported by the WWF. With the longest coastline in the world and a responsibility that includes 2.67 million square kilometers of ocean, this is serious business. We use to be the 7th greatest commercial fish harvester in the world, but we've slipped to 21st. Are we on our way back? Listen as Lawrence and Josh discuss progress, challenges and what we still need to see happen before Canada can hold it's head high as a sustainable commercial fishing nation.

Turns out Mohawk fishers shared in common with non-native
fishers the challenge of learning to use prudently modern fish
harvesting technologies. Following sound advice from scientists and practicing traditional harvesting techniques is a lesson we can all learn from, and Lawrence does just that as he catches his personal best Smallmouth Bass.

The St. Lawrence River, which the Mohawks call Kaniatarowanenneh or the "big waterway,", has a rich heritage of aboriginal life and habitation that includes fishing and traveling on the River that dates back nearly 10,000 years. Norman Peters has been tasked to share his knowledge and expertise with a entirely new generation of Mohawks who grew up disconnected from the river. Norman came aboard Lawrence's Ranger Fisherman for a day of story telling and
fishing. Learn what happened that caused this break with the River and what is being done to reconnect young people as Norman and Lawrence enjoy a day of fishing.

Delve into the culture of Mohawks of Akwesasne. Living on the St. Lawrence River, these people were impacted by industrialization along its shores and the pollution that resulted.
They have since led the charge to clean up the River including a law suit against several large polluters that took 20 years to settle. With the clean-up of the River underway, compensation to nearby communities for their loss of recreational fishing opportunities secured, its now the Mohawk's time to re-establish their traditional linkages with the water. Listen as four Mohawks explain how.

Local champions come in all forms, but I think you will agree that Ian Stevens from the Water Wealth Project is a shining example of one of the truest. His personal life decisions and commitment to being a water advocate lends him credibility that’s remarkable. We could all take a lesson from Ian’s play book.

What Lies Below is a six-year project that is about to be
launched. It's a documentary that features my guide dog and I meeting with people who live by and from the water as we cross Canada from coast-to-coast-to-coast. With the website now live emails are coming in, so here are my answers on how I managed to bring this documentary from an idea to an actual film competing in the 2016 Planet in Focus Film Festival in Toronto this October, an which was chosen as the closing film. Watch the trailer at www.whatliesbelow.ca.

As someone who is asked to speak to various groups about
my personal story, I like to take the opportunity to turn what would otherwise be a story about my going blind three times, into one that gives a message of empowerment. I use the opportunity to pass on information and rationale about why each and every one of us needs to take on the role of steward to make sure our water and fish resources will be around for future generations to experience. Let me know if you think the message comes through. For more about what I do, in
addition to this show, visit www.lawrencegunther.com.

For thousands of years people harvested fish for food. Fish still constitute the prime source of protein for over a billion people. Big Jim Mclaughlin reflects on the evolution of fishing as a sport, the practice of catch-and-release fishing, and how we are returning to the sustainable harvest of fish.

Navionics is a world leader in the production of navigation and sonar charts. For those of us who love to boat and fish, it’s an important tool to have on board. It’s also helping to ensure the future of fish and fishing. Find out more about how Navionics is supporting anglers and researchers and how Navionics has
leveraged the sharing of citizen science to ensure the future of fish and fishing during this interview with Tshombe Moore from Navionics.

Commercial fishing has been taking place on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in different forms for over 200 years. Find out how the Ontario Government is working to ensure current commercial fisheries are sustainable and economically viable. Meet some of the students that split their summer working aboard MNR research vessels and dissecting fish in labs.

Colin Lake from the Glenora Fisheries Station speaks with
Lawrence Gunther about the challenges maintaining a balanced and vibrant ecosystem in Lake Ontario, and how Hamilton Harbour is being turned from an industrial victim back into a strong and diverse fishery. Come alon for a tour of the Glenora Fishery Station’s 75-year old aquariums

Colin Lake on Lake Ontario Salmon and Bay of Quinte Walleye
Description: Colin Lake is a lead biologist with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and is in charge of programs run out of the Glenora Fisheries Station. Learn why Pacific salmon were introduced into Lake Ontario, and why the Bay of Quinte remains one of the greatest trophy Walleye fisheries in North America in spite of rising water temperatures.

Science and local knowledge is essential in determining
how fish can be caught sustainably. Innovations led to the world's sudden decline in fish stocks, and are now needed to return fishing to its once former source for sustainable food. Hear about what should and should not be taking place in our oceans, lakes an rivers, and how you can apply this knowledge to your own sustainable fish harvesting and consumption choices.

Dr. James Locascio from the Mote Aquarium is pioneering
the application of acoustic monitoring to identify key fish habitat. Listen as James explains the importance of understanding the fit between fish and their habitat, the different forces that impact this relationship, and how his acoustic research is bringing a new awareness to these interactions. We also gain a greater understanding of how fish listen to us, and what Mote is doing in partnership with anglers to ensure the future of fish and fishing.

Kate Le Souef, manager of the Great Canadian Shoreline
Clean-Up at the Vancouver Aquarium, speaks with Lawrence about the importance of engaging volunteers in positive actions as a way to start people along the path of stewardship. While the initiative has no plans to change, for many of its volunteers, the Clean-Up represents their first and now routine action taken to ensure Canada’s oceans, lakes and rivers are clean and safe to swim, drink and fish.

Vancouver Aquarium researchers believe it’s the micro plastics in our oceans that present the highest risk to animals and ourselves. They are working hard to understand our dependence on plastics and their impact on life. The Vancouver Aquarium founded the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-Up program, and is working even harder to educate citizens about the environmental impacts of our lifestyle choices.

Ocean Wise, a sustainable fish indicator now found in over 600 restaurant menus is leading the way on educating people about
the sustainability of their food choices. Hear why the Vancouver
Aquarium took a different approach to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, and why it’s their dream to see the program come to an end.

Lawrence tours the Vancouver Aquarium and gets hands-on
with Orca jaws, egg purses and a variety of other interactive exhibits.

Purchasing only those wild fish stocks harvested sustainably was first trumpeted to consumers as an empowerment by the
Monterey Bay Aquarium through their Seafood Watch Program. Now replicated throughout the world, Seafood Watch has done more to promote sustainable fishing than any other single initiative in the world. But, it didn’t happen over night, and there was resistance.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium plays a leading role in rebuilding Sea Otter populations from their low of 50 to the current
3,000 animals that make California's coast their home. So much more takes place at the aquarium that goes well beyond the glass walls of their amazingly huge tanks, such as tagging and tracking Great White sharks. , championing legislation to block the trade in shark fins, or conducting research on the health of Blue Fin Tuna populations.

Keeping a world-class public aquarium facility
sustainable involves numerous aspects beyond making sure the over 20,000 animals inside the aquarium are receiving sustainably harvested food that totals 100,000 pounds yearly. Water handling, power consumption, and waste management are all part of the sustainable approach to running aquariums. But, this aquarium thinks outside the tank too, and is playing a leadership role to ensure all of San Francisco consumes fish sustainably by following the Seafood Watch Program.

Listen as Brian Baird, Director of Ocean and Coastal
Programs at San Francisco’s Bay Institute, discusses the evolution of California’s ocean conservation policy including Governor Schwarzenegger's initiative to form an action plan on the ocean, it’s connection to the marine sanctuary initiative later enacted by President George Bush, and ultimately, led to marine protection areas. Protection Areas that now include 16.5% of California’s 1,100 miles of coastline reaching out three miles. With 9% of California’s coastal waters being completely off limits to all forms of fishing is intended to ensure non-migratory fish species are able to regain and maintain healthy populations. Brian explains how public pressure, science and economics supported the legislation that formed these MPA's, but the
goal is to ensure we all have access to fish to catch and observe now and in the future.

San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay has transitioned from
a for-profit organization to a leading non-profit group responsible for bringing key stakeholders together in the interest of educating and empowering citizens. Informal science education now drives everything the Aquarium does, including connecting visitors to the many different species of sharks that make San Francisco Bay home. Mostly though, the Aquarium is educating kids to become strong stewards of San Francisco Bay’s marine ecosystem.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a leader in making sure the three billion people that derive their protein from the sea do so sustainably, including the harvesting of kelp and jellies. They are
also leading important citizen-based research on sea turtle
conservation.

Twenty years observing Orcas gives this whale watch boat
captain and owner of Island Adventures remarkable insights about Whales on the west coast. Listen as Captain Shane relates stories about how whales are watching us and their ability to forgive.

Links follow:
Island Adventures (@sanjuanwhales) | Twitter
Island Adventures Whale Watching Facebook
video and photo gallery: http://www.island-adventures.com/gallery/index.php

Lee Willbanks is the official River Keeper for the Upper St.
Lawrence and is working hard to have the River removed from the list of top ten most endangered rivers. Implementation of the International Joint Committee's 2014 plan for the St. Lawrence is all that's needed. Listen as Lawrence and Lee talk about what happened to the aquatic habitat on the river and what it will take to bring it back.
Working to protect the St-Lawrence River, one of America's most Endangered Rivers
http://plan2014now.savetheriver.org
http://www.savetheriver.org
https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheRiver
https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheRiver
https://twitter.com/savetheriver
https://instagram.com/save_the_river
https://www.linkedin.com/company/save-the-river
https://youtu.be/aQ1R3RTkKUA

Located in Long Bay off the coast of Los Angeles California,
the Aquarium of the Pacific is ideally located to conduct research on whale behaviour. Their research has determined that ships entering and departing from one of the U.S.'s busiest ports pass directly through a preferred feeding area for whales. Moby Dick is no match for these colossal conveyors of the sea which are arriving at port with whales impaled on their bows.

Thanks to the St. Lawrence River Institute on Environmental
Science for hosting folks from the Upper St. Lawrence River Keeper so they could offer volunteer river keeper training to the over 40 people that, like me, showed up to receive their training.

The Great Lakes Water Quality Board just conducted the largest
survey of citizens about the lakes and there's unanimous agreement that we need to safeguard the water and it's aquatic life. Listen as Dr. de Loe, Canada's Co-Chair on this important International Joint Commission Board, speaks with Lawrence about his plans to work himself out of a job by making
fish from the Great Lakes completely safe to eat. First though, we all need to understand that the Great Lakes represent a largely non-renewable yet significant portion of the world's fresh water.

Resources:
Eighty-five percent of respondents believe protecting the Great Lakes is highly important, according to one of the largest surveys ever conducted on public perception of the world's largest freshwater system. The International Joint Commission (IJC) sponsored the survey, which was completed by its Great Lakes Water Quality Board in late 2015 and is summarized in the report released today
@IJCsharedwaters
@ers_uw
@envwaterloo

Community Supported Fishing is modeled after the agricultural
movement that is matching growers with buyers, only this is fresh seafood to your door from fishers you know and trust. Josh Stoll from the University of Maine is helping launch CSF's throughout North America through his www.localcatch.org program, and the results are benefiting everyone involved. Listen and learn how these community-based organizations are turning fisheries once known for high volume low quality seafood production, into providers of sustainably caught
high quality fresh seafood delivered direct to your door.

Relevant links follow:

LocalCatch.org: http://www.localcatch.org
CSF Resource Guide:
http://www.localcatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/csf-rg.pdf
Research papers:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291385532_Describing_the_diversity_
of_community_supported_fishery_programs_in_North_America
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281368146_Local_seafood_Rethinking_
the_direct_marketing_paradigm
twitter handle @LocalCatch

San Diego is known for more than just it's famous zoo. It also hosts the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the University of Southern California, and the Birch Aquarium -- all of which are located within sight of each other. What you get is world-leading research being showcased by the Birch Aquarium. However, their exhibits are just the tip of the iceberg. Look behind the super-sized aquarium installations and learn about their breeding program to save Sea Dragons, or sea turtle rescues, or lay your hands on their extensive shark jaw collection, and so much more.

Bears Belugas and the Aquarium du Quebec
Description: in this field visit, Lawrence and his family are hands-on
sharks, Rays, starfish and more as they use all their senses to explore the
Aquarium Du Quebec. The General Curator, Jill Marvin, discusses the
important role their polar Bears play in supporting field research, the diminishing numbers of Beluga whales in the St. Lawrence and how the Aquarium is trying to help, and the many other research, conservation, rescue and educational initiatives underway at the Aquarium.

Lawrence Gunther, host of Blue Fish Radio, is also a popular
presenter at outdoor shows. Listen in as Lawrence tells fish tales involving the capture and release of Sharks, Sturgeon, Cod and Sailfish, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

In the late 1970's Dr. Zeus wrote a poem about the death of
Lake Erie. The lake was revived, but now due to a culmination of numerous factors, it's about to suffer a second death. The U.S. and Canada have promised action, but this time the solution is far more complicated. Actions to Save Erie are being developed in coordination by Nancy Goucher and her colleagues at Freshwater Future. If successful, they may offer a blueprint
for saving the rest of Canada's struggling lakes.