SNC reminds ice fishers to remove trash and to stay safe

South Nation Conservation staff didn?t find any abandoned couches at the end of last year's ice fishing season, but the authority is still renewing its call to ice fishers to keep their preferred sites clear of debris in 2012.

PHOTO CREDIT - South Nation Conservation

Finch - January 25, 2012 - South Nation Conservation staff didn?t find any abandoned couches at the end of last year's ice fishing season, but the authority is still renewing its call to ice fishers to keep their preferred sites clear of debris in 2012.

"It's not scientific but reports from our staff and the public indicate that winter fishing fans are doing a better job of cleaning up," said SNC communications specialist Gord Shaver. "We think our ongoing awareness campaign has made a difference and we want to thank fishers for their stewardship efforts."

In partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the campaign includes information posters, media inserts and monitoring of the most popular winter fishing spots throughout SNC's 4,000 square-km watershed.

Not only does garbage left behind create a winter hazard, it can cause pollution if it ends up in the water come spring, disrupting aquatic wildlife and reducing drinking water quality.

Under provincial regulations, most ice fishing huts must be registered (at no charge) with MNR and removed by March 15. Registration numbers must be clearly displayed on the outside of the huts. It's an offence under the Public Lands Act to leave a fishing hut out after spring breakup.

SNC Resource Technician Ryan Robson reminded fishers to make safety their main priority, especially at the onset of the new fishing season. Due to currents, depth, temperature and other factors, thickness can vary in the same area from only a few inches to a few feet.

"Don't assume anything. Just because you see tracks on the ice doesn't mean it's safe. The smart thing to do is check the ice every few metres to get a general idea of thickness in the area you'll be fishing."

Recommended thickness for new clear blue ice for fishing and small group activities is at least four inches; it's a minimum five inches for snowmobiling and eight to 10 inches for heavy huts, small cars and pickup trucks. White ice is only half as strong as new ice, so recommended thickness should be doubled.

"Much worse than leaving litter behind would be for someone to go through the ice with tragic results, so keep it safe out there."