The Blue Fish Radio Show

Holly Isnor is the Marine Campaign Coordinator with the Ecology Action Centre in Nova Scotia, and our  guest on The Blue fish Radio Show. Holly will explain why the 184 fishers in Nova Scotia that hold swordfish harpoon licenses are interested in adding the option of filling their quota using hook-and-line, and bringing along paying customers interested in reeling in swordfish that can reach weights of 500 kilograms. Find out what it's going to take to open up this new big game recreational fishing opportunity.

Dr. Ussif Rashid Sumaila from the University of British Columbia is widely known and highly regarded as an expert on the ability of offshore commercial fisheries to fish sustainably. His opinions are shaping Canada's entry into a new WTO agreement on the World's first international sustainability Treaty. Listen as Dr. Sumaila speaks with Lawrence about the role technology is having on increasing fishing pressure around the world on The Blue Fish Radio Show. 

Lawrence and Scotty review all the latest fishing and fish news from across Canada on the April 22 2024 episode of Canadian Fishing Network Live

Scotty and Lawrence discuss whether forward facing sonar needs to be dialed back, or if fishing regulations need to be enhanced on the April 15 2024 episode of Canadian Fishing Network Live 

While some can't wait for the debate about forward facing sonar to end, others believe we aren't finished by a long shot. Regulators in the U.S. are actually surveying anglers for their views on whether the technology should be banned. We reached out to professional angler David Chong for his views on the topic. David is one of Canada's top professional bass anglers and a long-time representative of many fishing, boating and electronic brands. Welcome back David to The Blue Fish Radio Show!

In the Blue fish News on CFN Live on March 25 2024 Lawrence and Scottie discuss the important role of local champions, the “World Unseen” exhibit, the 2024 walleye and perch Lake Erie commercial harvest “total allowable catch”, impacts of open pen fin-fish aquiculture, the state of Great Lakes fisheries, commercial fisher protests underway in Newfoundland / Labrador, the growth of small scale farm operations across Canada, dangers associated with family farming, the return of small scale commercial fishing, supporting local seafood fishers, and Canada's signature on the new World Trade Organization high seas fishing treaty.

Terry Rees and his 20 years with FOCA Director of the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations for twenty years, and recently announced that he will be moving on. Terry's leadership on countless water quality issues over the years has served the over-500 cottage associations that are affiliated with FOCA, and the knowledge and experience he's amassed is significant. Terry is our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show where he talks about a wide range of issues, strategies, programs and regulations meant to maintain a strong one-health relationship between property owners and the waters they love and appreciate. 

Watersheds Canada on Fish HabitatLawrence Gunther speaks with the new Executive Director of Water Sheds Canada Robert J. Pye, and Melissa Dakers, Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager, about their work on creating resilient fish habitat on The Blue fish Radio Show. Robert has many years of experience in promoting fishing and conservation, and Mel is led the charge to expand the charity's shoreline restoration programs to include shoreline wetlands and fish habitat. Learn how their programs operate year-round, how you can get involved or learn more, and some exciting news about what's coming up! This is our 3rd episode featuring Watersheds Canada over the past six years, and we are excited to witness the evolution of their focus on fish!

Blue Fish News Live on CFN March 18 2024Lawrence and Scottie talk about the role of mentors, fertile Grass Carp  in the Great Lakes, school instruction about invasives, Scotty Fishing's role in schools with donating hatchery equipment, ice fishing and Great Lakes ice coverage stats, Lakes Superiors designation as the fastest warming lake in the world, and advocacy efforts to have B.C.'s Chinook salmon labeled as unsustainable to properly advise consumers, and how some stocks are bouncing back.

E435 In Search of the Great Canadian Shark with Dr Chris Harvey-ClarkDr. Chris Harvey-Clark is one of Canada's leading shark researchers and a frequent shark expert guest on TV and in documentaries. Chris just released his new book, “In Search of the Great Canadian Shark.” Chris speaks with host Lawrence Gunther about his numerous shark encounters and the work he's assisting with to track Great White Sharks in Atlantic Canada. To buy the book send an email to ChrisHarveyClark@Gmail.Com.

Two new books are discussed, “In search of the Great Canadian Shark”, and “Thinking Big About Small-Scale Fisheries. Lawrence and Scottie discuss Lawrence's work with Canon to launch the new tactile printer for the blind. The unknown Arctic fishes and control over the new commercial fishery. The extreme age of Greenland Sharks and traditional techniques to cure their meat. The movement of fish species north into the Arctic Ocean. The bid by recreational fishers in Newfoundland / Labrador to increase personal harvest limits of Northern Cod. What Muskie eat. Good news about Atlantic Salmon on a New Brunswick River thanks to a new fish-friendly bridge. New data on chemical pollutants in the St. Lawrence River stemming from treated sewage waste releases. The success of the “swish and spit” program for preventing invasive aquatic species from entering the Great Lakes. The impact of 70 new species of invasive earth worms brought to North America. A delayed oil spill mitigation effort on the Fraiser River. Methane gas leakage into the atmosphere. Efforts to create a giant garbage incinerator on the banks of the Ottawa river. Numbers of Great Lakes water usage and releases for 2022. 

The Blue Fish News Live on Canadian Fishing Network includes a quick overview of the new book, “Thinking Big about Small-Scale Fisheries”. Lawrence and Scottie talk about  the new Inuit Arctic commercial fisheries . A comparison between the consolidation of Canada's agriculture sector and what is happening with our commercial fisheries. The growth of Canada's community supported fisheries. Research showing that male bass left alone during the six-week spawning season raise 4-times more fry than bass that are angled, and how seasonal sanctuaries could replicate this result. Where to buy fresh sustainably caught shrimp and other seafood. A huge Chinook fish kill caused by a commercial fishing vessel releasing bycatch off the coast of Vancouver Island. And the award given to Dr. Steven Cook from Carleton University by the International Game Fish Association.   

This past December a new e-book called “Thinking Big about Small-Scale Fisheries in Canada” was released and can be downloaded for free. The book is a project of “Too Big to be Ignored Canada, a new Cross-Canadian research and knowledge sharing hub focused on increasing the visibility, recognition, and enhancement of small-scale fisheries in Canada. Evan J. Andrews, editor of the book, and Kristen Lowitt, co-author of chapter #6, are Lawrence's guests on The Blue Fish Radio Show. Link to hear Lawrence, Evan and Kristen discuss the book, and the many common challenges facing Canadian and other small-scale fisheries around the world.

Scottie and Lawrence discuss the Ottawa Boat and Outdoor Show, boat prices, Striped Bass predation of salmon Smoltz, new Indigenous Conserved and Protected Area in Manitoba, leaving local communities out of marine protection talks, and offshore wind power and what it means for fishing.

Lawrence and Scottie discuss the evolution of outdoor shows, Blue Fish Canada's mandate, one health, next generation anglers, and what constitutes sustainable fishing.

Scottie and Lawrence discuss aquatic invasive species, Grass Carp, Tench, state of Great Lake's commercial fishery, fish consumption advisories, Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes, sewage releases, eating Great Lakes Salmon, the Red Fish commercial fishery about to open on the Golf of St. Lawrence, carbon releases caused by large commercial draggers stirring the ocean bottom, and salmon plasticity.

Lawrence And Scottie examine the spread of Gobies throughout southern Ontario, and where we are with electric boats. Recorded live on Canadian Fishing Network on February 5, 2024.

Jeff Butler produces the biweekly newsletter Plug Boats featuring everything electric that has to do with boat propulsion. After the big electric boat advertising push by organizers of the 2024 Toronto International Boat Show, I knew I had to get Jef on the podcast to find out more about electric boats. He did not disappoint – link to hear my conversation with Jeff Butler from Plug Boats on The Blue fish Radio Show.

The Great Lakes Fish Health Network led the charge to research and pen an article titled, “Governing for transboundary environmental justice: a scientific and policy analysis of fish consumption advisory programs in the Upper St Lawrence River.” On January 29 2024 Lawrence and Scotty discuss why different government jurisdictions offer contradictory fish consumption advisories on Canadian Fishing Network Live on Facebook. Link below to read the entire article on Facets Journal:https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/full/10.1139/facets-2023-0072

It's always a pleasure to speak with artists who have a focus on fish on The Blue Fish Radio Show. Nick Mayer has been earning his living full time painting fish and related fish art, and judging from the reaction in my own home, a truly extraordinary artist. His Mission is to connect People with Nature by appreciating it's beauty. Not only does Nick paint, but He's caught over 75 species of fish on a fly rod including Sailfish, Sharks, Tarpon and Muskie. You can learn More About Nick's Work at https://www.nickmayerart.com. Enjoy the podcast as Nick and I discuss his journey from marine biologist to successful artist!

On Canadian Fishing Network Live Lawrence and Scotty talk about the slow start to the ice fishing season, Great Lakes ice coverage, the importance of women fishing associations, Lawrence's editorial on finding commonalities between indigenous fishers and recreational anglers, threats posed by Alberta's irrigation channels to wild Cutthroat Trout, and their 130 lakes suitable for ice fishing, five fishing apps anglers are recommended to have on their phones, and other technology Lawrence uses as a person without sight.

Abraham Francis is a member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne where he serves as the Environmental Science Officer. Abe speaks with Lawrence about the historic connection Mohawk First Nations people have with the fish of the St. Lawrence River, why his people were forced to suspend this connection for the past two generations, what's being done to re-build this relationship, and why understanding fish health and fish contamination is crucial to reconciliation.

Catch the Blue Fish News Live on Canadian Fishing Network for January 8 2024. Lawrence Gunther and Scottie Martin cover finesse fishing trends, fishery biologist scholarships, Clam Pro Tackle's commitment to move away from Lead, and up-coming outdoor shows:

National Geographics Monster Fish TV hosts Zeb Hogan and Stefan Lovgren have just released their new book, Chasing Giants, In Search of the World's Largest Freshwater Fish. Zeb Hogan is a research biologist at the University of Nevada, an advisor to the UN Convention of Migratory Species, and our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show. Zeb's adventures around the world researching and filming over 30 one-hour specials for Nat-Geo TV have both amazed viewers world-wide and identified the five most common threats to the world's largest freshwater fishes. A scientist and TV host who enjoys fishing as much as he does researching fish, Zeb has probably checked off every fish on the bucket list.

Scotty and Lawrence discuss what it says about marine mammals when a large pod of dolphins surrounds a female whale about to give birth in order to protect her baby from sharks. Lawrence shares more news about the Future Angler Foundation, the rebounding Atlantic Cod stocks around Newfoundland, the important role of artisanal fishers, how commercial fishing should be regulated to address rapid advancements in fishing technology, DFO's handle on ensuring our fisheries are sustainable, why fishing organizations are suing tire manufacturers, recently escaped Atlantic salmon from a fish farm in New Brunswick, the second year snow crab fishing off Alaska will be off limits, and the important role of the experimental lakes in north-west Ontario.

Scotty and Lawrence talk about the Ultimate Ice Fishing Show, and then Lawrence asks Scotty a series of questions on ice fishing preferences causing the CFN audience to wade in. Lawrence has several news items to share including a ban on fishing announced in certain national parks to control Whirling Disease, and news about the new Saskatchewan Fishing League App. Lawrence discusses his plans to take part in the coming year's Tomcod ice fishing festival on the Lower St. Lawrence River.

Scotty and Lawrence talk about the Killer Whales off the coast of Spain that are routinely sinking pleasure boats, the hunting partnership between Killer Whales and Greenland hunters, Ontario's MNRF fish species priorities, Watersheds Canada's new direction and leadership with respect to fishing, the status of fish health on the Upper St. Lawrence River and the work of the River Institute, causes for the Muskie die-offs on the St. Lawrence, how pacific salmon adapted to the viruses in the Great Lakes after being introduced, recognition of new donors to the Blue Fish Exploration Centre, the Centre's new Supreme Novo 38 woodstove, the Cabela's store in Ottawa recent donation through their “round up for Conservation” program, why some people count down to retirement and their remaining fishing trips, what motivates us to go fishing, a conversation with the president of the Future Angler Foundation, the 148 million tons of seafood consumed by the world each year and how much of this is grown through aquiculture, and open pen fin-fish aquaculture versus closed containment.

Scotty and Lawrence discuss the Atlantic Glass Eel fishery, why conservation needs to be the corner-stone of all fishing regulations and enforcement, water abundance in the Great Lakes, the Alberta Conservation Associations yearly effort to aerate trout lakes and keep ice fishing safe, why Westcoast fish farms are being shut down but not east coast operations, and the threat to wild salmon from escaped farmed fish, .

Lawrence speaks with Future Angler Foundation President Patrick Neu about the origin, mission and future plans to get more youth out fishing. Pat describes how they were able to achieve TV broadcasting success on PBS, and why youth need to learn about boating safety and responsible fishing as part of their introduction to the sport. Lawrence and Pat also discuss the many new challenges facing fish and fishing, and why youth are the next generation of stewards of the resource.

On the Oct. 23, 2023, Blue Fish News on CFN Live, Lawrence and Scottie discuss the future sale of Frenchman Bay on Lake Ontario, what it could mean for access to fishing, and other private land access issues across Canada. We hear about a petition to ban salmon fishing on an Ontario River, and FOCA's water quality and Watersheds Canada's shoreline restoration programs. We get an update on the selective marked fishery advocated for by the Public Fishery Alliance, and hear about new research on the mental health benefits for men who go fishing.

On the Oct. 16, 2023 edition of Blue Fish News on CFN Live, Scottie and Lawrence discuss what to do when a Conservation Officer asks you to help bust salmon poachers. The pitfalls of public shaming on social media are explored as are the fate of nine Killer Whales caught in the net of an Alaskan salmon trailer.

Brian Morrison has over 20 years of direct experience researching and providing advice on the state of Lake Ontario's salmon stocks. His knowledge of the different historic and present fishes in the lake is impressive, which is why Brian is our guest on The Blue fish Radio show. Brian speaks with host Lawrence Gunther about wild and hatchery fishes in Lake Ontario, how science and policy have fallen out of step, and what it means for the angling community.

Lawrence and Scotty discuss a recent case of anglers cheating by trimming the tails of Northern Pike. The two then debate what exactly constitutes a kayak with respect two kayak fishing tournaments. Scotty brings up forward facing sonar and whether kayak tournament anglers should be prevented from using the technology, and Lawrence talks about the 120-year-old fish camp that is a neighbor to the Blue Fish Exploration Centre, and how their local knowledge will factor into the fish research and youth training experience on offer at the Centre.

Scotty and Lawrence discuss a highly problematic news story concerning the actions of anglers fishing for Lake Ontario's spawning salmon, but not before the two cover a range of fish and fishing stories from across Canada. Everything from the impact of heat and drought in western Canada on deep water marine life and spawning salmon, to the most humane way to harvest fish, which also turns out to ensure your fish taste best. The latest assault on smallmouth bass in Atlantic Canada is covered, as is Lake of the Woods, and the latest news on electric outboards from Mercury Marine.

Dr. Hannah Harrison is an expert on small scale Great Lakes fisheries and our guest on this episode of the Blue Fish Radio Show. Dr. Harison speaks with Lawrence about Lake Ontario's diminishing commercial fisheries and what establishing a National Marine Conservation Area could mean for fishing in general. Dr. Harison is a professor with the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University, and recently released the trailer for her new documentary “Last Boat on the Lake.”

Host Lawrence Gunther discusses with Sean Simmons the incredible head-way the My Catch angler app by Angler Atlas is contributing to fishery research. Canada will once again be head-lining a series of seminars at the 2023 American Fishery Society Conference. Find out how anglers are using this citizen science tool to support fishery research across Canada on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Host Lawrence Gunther speaks with fishing legend, author and sport fishing hull of fame inductee Darryl Choronzey about the past and present state of Lake Ontario, it's native fish species, the rise of pacific salmon domination, his favorite salmon, costs associated with stocking Chinook, Coho and Atlantic, the problem with salmon poaching on rivers, and the role Ontario needs to take to build and promote a sustainable sport fishery. Darryll is convinced there are enough salmon in Lake Ontario to make it a world class fishery if promoted properly. Link below to hear Lawrence speak with Darryl Choronzey on The Blue Fish Radio Show:

Scottie Martin and I discuss the role forward looking sonar played during the St. Claire River B.A.S.S. elite tournament, the choice to eat locally caught fish, knowing what you're eating and what's in it, where to source Tilapia, seafood fraud, and the use of Butterfish as a common substitute for Tuna in sushi restaurants. And finally, I relay my experience eating at the Le Poisson Bleu restaurant in Ottawa for the first time after receiving numerous calls on the Blue fish Canada phone line from customers looking to book a reservation, and the positive dining experience we enjoyed based on their exclusively sustainable and mostly local seafood menu. But there was a seafood choice on the menu that took us all by surprise. Scotty tells his own supermarket seafood story that led to his being escorted from the premises by the police. The validity of sustainable labeling is also discussed, and the recent issue raised by Watershed Watch Salmon Society over the sustainability of Pacific salmon as claimed by several prominent labeling services.

Recorded live on Canadian Fishing Network July 24 2023, Scottie Martin and I discuss catching and eating Bowfin, extreme weather impacts and the Pacific ocean garbage patch, angler encounters with Great Whites off the coast of New Brunswick, Megalodon versus Great Whites and seal predation, shark habitualisation to humans due to shark encounter tourism, and the need for anglers to step up to save Blind Bay, one of the last significant shoreline wetlands on the Upper St. Lawrence River.

Sleiman Al Jasem took over the “County Catch” fish processing business from local Prince Edward County fishers in 2021 after arriving in Canada from Syria as a refugee. His focus is purchasing, processing and selling locally caught Whitefish, yellow and White Perch, and Pickerel harvested from the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario surrounding Prince Edward County. Demand is never an issue, it's the lack of a regular supply that concerns Sleiman. Most of the fish caught in the area are transported whole to a processing plant near Lake Erie where they are processed and exported to markets like China. Sleiman is our guest on the Blue Fish Radio Show where we caught up to him at the Pickton local market.

The Blue Fish Radio Show is pleased to be back at the Glenora Fishery Research Station six years later to speak once again with MNRF's Collin Lake about the state of fisheries in Lake Ontario's eastern basin. Topics include greater access to urban recreational anglers, whether the commercial fishery on Lake Ontario is underutilize, the downward shift in nutrients and what it means for fishes, fish consumption advisories, the sustainability of local commercial fisheries, and elevating fish to be on par with “farm to fork” initiatives.

On Canadian Fishing Network Live, July 10 2023, Lawrence and Scottie explore why getting out the message that youth need opportunities to learn both how to fish, and how to become stewards of nature. They then review Ontario's latest angler participation data, followed by topics ranging from Canada's most endangered freshwater fish, the return of Lake Sturgeon, a new MPA being proposed for Lake Erie, and why Ontario has shut down people with houseboats looking to anchor away the summer. Link below to listen on The Blue fish Radio Show

Lawrence Gunther and Scottie Martin discuss fish scale art and how to tell WHEN fish are spawning by the shape of their scales. Lawrence give a quick overview of the Blue fish Canada “Get Ready for Fishing” event held in Cornwall at the OPG Visitor's Centre. The boys re-cap the Blue Fish Radio Special on Lake Ontario's East Basin fishery, and share news about a new fund for local organizations interested in removing invasive species from their lake or river now available through the Invasive Species Centre. It's all recorded Live on Canadian Fishing Network Monday nights.

On the June 5th 2023 segment recorded live on Canadian Fishing Network, Lawrence and Scotty discuss Blue Fish News highlights including what's driving the growth in numbers of youth anglers, 2022 salmon capture data in B.C. and Quebec, the tragic loss of four youth anglers and one adult along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Killer Whales that are capsizing boats, tips for taking your dog fishing aboard your boat, and much more.

Scottie Martin and host Lawrence Gunther discuss fishing apps, the new Fish Health Tracker tool, and whether the sentence of two poachers was sufficient, on Canadian Fishing Network Live May 15, 2023.

Doris Leung is the Interim Director of the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System, and a driving force behind the recently released “Fish Health Tracker Tool”. The Tool was created for anglers to report unusual fish species or fish health issues. Doris explains how the Fish Health Tracker Tool works on this episode of The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Scottie Martin from Canadian Fishing Network and Lawrence Gunther discuss naturalizing shorelines, accessible fishing for deaf-blind anglers, the high seas, and Blue Fish Canada's summer youth fishing programs live on cfN May 8 2023.

Live May 1 2023 on Canadian Fishing Network, Scottie Martin and Lawrence Gunther discuss the legacy of lead, micro fishing, targeting escaped hatchery fish, invasives using floating garbage to reach new habitat, and tracking Great White Sharks heading for Atlantic Canada. Margie Manthey is a true local champion for her numerous efforts to improve the future of fish and fishing on Wolf Lake. The lake is located near Westport in eastern Ontario in a region known as South Frontenac. A passionate angler, Margie has been instrumental in rehabilitating walleye spawning beds, replacing “perched” culverts, and strengthening shoreline resilience. But, her main passion is incentifying anglers to switch away from using lead weights and jigs. Her “get the lead out” program resulted in over 80 kilos of lead fishing tackle being voluntarily turned in by anglers in just one year. Margie is our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Margie Manthey is a true local champion for her numerous efforts to improve the future of fish and fishing on Wolf Lake. The lake is located near Westport in eastern Ontario in a region known as South Frontenac. A passionate angler, Margie has been instrumental in rehabilitating walleye spawning beds, replacing “perched” culverts, and strengthening shoreline resilience. But, her main passion is incentifying anglers to switch away from using lead weights and jigs. Her “get the lead out” program resulted in over 80 kilos of lead fishing tackle being voluntarily turned in by anglers in just one year. Margie is our guest on The Blue Fish Radio Show.

Scottie Martin and I discuss capturing fish 8 km below the surface, destructive Mine tailings, Trout Unlimited Canada's Bring Back the Brookies initiative, marauding Great Whites off the coast of NS, and angler actions to reduce lead fishing tackle, live on Canadian Fishing Network April 24 2023.