The Thames River Fisheries Management Plan

What is the Thames River Fisheries Management Plan (TRFMP)?

The Thames River and its tributaries are home to a wide variety of fish species, each of which plays an important part in this ecosystem. A Fisheries Management Plan is a resource document that provides background information about the historic and current fish community and about physical conditions within the watershed. The plan is used to set management directions for the fish community, the fish habitat, and human use of the resource.

Why is a Thames River Fisheries Management Plan needed?

Current fisheries management plans, which were prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources, are outdated. While many projects continue to be undertaken on a localized basis, an updated coordinating plan for the entire watershed is needed to establish targets and priorities through agreed upon common goals. The TRFMP will provide for compatible activities of agencies and stakeholders and ensure that the Thames River’s fisheries resources are managed sustainably, effectively and efficiently.

Who is involved in the Thames River Fisheries Management Plan?

The plan is being developed collaboratively with stakeholders. These stakeholders include regulatory and non-regulatory agencies, non-government organizations, First Nations communities, and the general public.

A detailed Terms of Reference (pdf file) for the Thames River Fisheries Management Plan was accepted in principle by the multi-stakeholder TRFMP Advisory Committee at the September 22, 2004 project “start-up” meeting, and revised in March 2006.

How is the public involved in the process?

Public involvement in the process is critical. Stakeholder groups, including representatives from the local fishing clubs, will contribute to all aspects of the preparations for the Fisheries Management Plan. To date, an Advisory Committee has been established, made up of a broad cross section of the stakeholder groups.

The first round of public input took place in March and April 2006.