Good news for Toronto’s fishery!

November 2, 2022

Good morning everyone!

In the last 24 hours, there have been some good news stories about the improving health of Toronto’s fishery.  This encouraging news speaks to the actions of TRCA and partners to restore aquatic habitat and conduct long-term fisheries monitoring and invasive species surveillance.

RARE MUSKIE CAUGHT IN TORONTO HARBOUR

On Sunday, a muskie was caught by a fisherman in Toronto Harbour.  This fish was found in the same habitat as Northern Pike – another freshwater predator.  It takes a healthy environment with variety of smaller fish to support this species.

Read these two articles to learn more about the significance of this find:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/muskie-toronto-harbour-1.6637077

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/11/01/a-big-fish-with-even-bigger-implications-what-this-unicorn-catch-means-for-torontos-waters.html (Note: This one has a paywall)

NO INVASIVE CARP FOUND IN TORONTO HARBOUR IN 7 YEARS

Yesterday, the ROM published an article about our role in support Fisheries and Oceans Canada with invasive carp surveillance.  We are happy to report that no invasive Grass Carp have been found in the last 7 years. Ongoing surveillance will alert partners to take action if any appear.

Read more: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/collections-research/magazine/great-lakes-great-invaders

Questions: wpes@trca.ca