Netting for Fish- A Reason for Concern?

Akwesasne , NY , Onerahtokha/April 11, 2006 - Everyone who loves to eat fish either likes to fish with a rod and reel or buys them from a store or local fisherman who uses nets. Fish are there for everyone to enjoy and as Mohawks we certainly like to fish. There is nothing as rewarding as to see a child bring his first fish in using a fishing rod. The excitement in their eyes can bring as much joy to your face as a good catch on the table.

A fact about fish is they spawn and produce new fish each year. Fish will move upstream into the tributaries including the Raquette River and the St. Regis River and lay their eggs. However, what happens to these fish if they cannot go upstream and lay their eggs? What happens if everyone starts using nets to catch fish? If you are going to net it’s important to be responsible and considerate as to when and where to net. Netting should only be allowed after fish spawn.

As Mohawks we have a responsibility to take care of the land and the waters to ensure that replenishment of life occurs naturally. When people begin netting before the fish have an opportunity to spawn in the tributaries it severely hampers fish population and impacts other people’s ability to catch fish for their own purpose. All we’re asking is for people that net to be considerate of the delicate life cycle of the fish. Let’s be responsible for the fish! The fish in our waters belong to Mother Earth. As more people use nets to fish, it’s easy to see that by continuing to over harvest the fish for our individual needs, that the risk of depleting specific fish species is a real possibility. Please consider removing your nets from the tributaries. You will be doing a tremendous favor to the community. If you have questions regarding fish netting you may contact, Jim Snyder at the Environment Division at 358.5937.








		PRESS RELEASE For immediate release: Onerahtokha/April 12, 2006 For information contact: Lornie Swamp SRMT Environment Division Phone: 518-358-6211 Fax: 518-358-6252 Netting for Fish- A Reason for Concern? Akwesasne , NY , Onerahtokha/April 11, 2006 - Everyone who loves to eat fish either likes to fish with a rod and reel or buys them from a store or local fisherman who uses nets. Fish are there for everyone to enjoy and as Mohawks we certainly like to fish. There is nothing as rewarding as to see a child bring his first fish in using a fishing rod. The excitement in their eyes can bring as much joy to your face as a good catch on the table. A fact about fish is they spawn and produce new fish each year. Fish will move upstream into the tributaries including the Raquette River and the St. Regis River and lay their eggs. However, what happens to these fish if they cannot go upstream and lay their eggs? What happens if everyone starts using nets to catch fish? If you are going to net it’s important to be responsible and considerate as to when and where to net. Netting should only be allowed after fish spawn. As Mohawks we have a responsibility to take care of the land and the waters to ensure that replenishment of life occurs naturally. When people begin netting before the fish have an opportunity to spawn in the tributaries it severely hampers fish population and impacts other people’s ability to catch fish for their own purpose. All we’re asking is for people that net to be considerate of the delicate life cycle of the fish. Let’s be responsible for the fish! The fish in our waters belong to Mother Earth. As more people use nets to fish, it’s easy to see that by continuing to over harvest the fish for our individual needs, that the risk of depleting specific fish species is a real possibility. Please consider removing your nets from the tributaries. You will be doing a tremendous favor to the community. If you have questions regarding fish netting you may contact, Jim Snyder at the Environment Division at 358.5937. -30-