Fish meeting swarmed
Anglers swarm Thorsby Community Hall, fishing for changes
Rosemary Austen;
editor@wetaskiwintimes.com
Monday April 30, 2007
Anglers swarmed the Thorsby Community Hall looking to have fishing regulations changed at Pigeon Lake.
"The meeting was beyond expectations," commented area fisherman Erwin Zotzmen.
"The hall was jammed packed. People were lined up just to get in."
Over 350 people from all over Alberta converged on the hall to discuss fishing practices on Pigeon Lake, April 24. In attendance was Alberta Sustainable Resource Development representative Ken Crutchfield, biologist Vance Buchwald of Red Deer and area MLA Tony Abbott.
They faced an angry group of anglers who believe mismanagement of Pigeon Lake has put a strain on fish populations. They allege that overstocking of the lake's top predator, walleye, has lead to the desecration of lesser marine species such as whitefish and perch.
"To have one of the best whitefish fisheries in Alberta decimated by mismanagement is unacceptable," asserts Zotzen.
"At the end of the day we have a lake with no whitefish, perch or pike as well as part of the west end, including Tide Creek, permanently closed to all fishing."
He maintains Pigeon Lake has "millions" of walleye that "will have to start eating each other to keep from starving to death."
Wetaskiwin fisherman Ben Grohn lead a busload of 35 citizens to Tuesday's meeting.
"We want to let the government know we are not happy with the situation," he said.
"They are trying to make it a trophy lake, all they want is walleye in there but the walleyes are taking over -- eating everyone out of house and home."
Fisherman were almost unanimous when making a motion to the drop the current tag draw system (system that allows fisherman to keep quotas of fish) in favour of regulations that allow for one walleye per day per fishing licence. They ask the new regulations take effect from May long weekend through to March 31.
"We've shown the government what the people want," charges Zotzmen. "That lake belongs to every citizen in Alberta. There is enough Walleye in that lake everyone should have one."
Biologist Vance Buchwald was not swayed by the fisherman's concerns.
"We listened to everyone’s concerns. Even within the group there was divergence in their views," he said. "Clearly some people don't agree with our management and felt the lake was overstocked, but others supported our stocking and wanted us to continue to manage the lake."
He says there's a perception out there that lakes stocked with walleye are trophy fisheries.
"That's not true. We manage the lake for all species."
He looks to the Pigeon Lake Management Plan which says the lake will be managed for a quality fishery.
"Meaning there are medium-sized fish available in all species. Our mandate is to manage the lake for all species."
He said many of the lake species were struggling before walleye was even introduced due to over fishing and shoreline development.
"There were issues before walleye were even introduced there. We are turning Pigeon Lake into a more natural state."
Buchwald says there needs to be broader public consultation before changes are made.
"We will address their concerns through some of our studies. It will take a better part of a year to implement these changes, if they should occur."