On August 14th and 15th, Carleton University hosted an International Muskellunge Symposium in conjunction with Muskies Canada Inc., and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF). The event was attended by over 80 people, including academics (some of whom have been studying muskies for most of their career such as Dr. John Casselman [Queens University] and Dr. John Farrell [State University of New York]), managers (OMNRF, DFO), conservation authorities (e.g., Rideau Valley), anglers, and Carleton students.
The theme of the symposium was “Muskellunge Science and Management: Progress through Partnerships”, a theme highlighted by many of the presenters and in the three discussion sessions led by Peter Levick (MCI), Jon Midwood and Steven Cooke (Carleton).
One of the highlights was hearing from researchers and managers about how far the Muskellunge fisheries has progressed over the past century – from unsustainable harvest and their perception as a nuisance fish to the adoption of catch and release ideology and the development of a core group of passionate recreational anglers. As highlighted in Dr. Casselman’s plenary, the results are healthy muskie populations across Ontario, the development of trophy fisheries and a model for how to manage successful and sustainable inland fisheries.
The symposium fostered open dialogue among all partners and identified two key next steps for preserving muskie fisheries: 1) getting youth interested and involved through outreach activities and 2) educating anglers that may incidentally capture muskies about best handling practices and the importance of practicing catch and release.
Many thanks to the steering committee, which included: Peter Levick and James Akers from MCI, Jon Midwood and Steven Cooke from Carleton, and Steve Kerr (retired OMNRF) for organizing this symposium, as well as Hedrick Wachelka for help and input. This occasion allowed the primary players in Muskellunge research, conservation, and fisheries to gather together and share their knowledge.
Finally, a very big thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who made the event run smoothly and to the Ontario Chapter of the American Fisheries Society for funding the evening social!
