Everyone is encouraged to participate, sponsor and get outside!
To the Expositor:
“…but teach them to fish…and they eat for the rest of their lives”
It is not only a part of First Nation tradition to share in the bounty when the fishing is good, for this is a practice that many cultures around the world have been doing for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. I was thrilled to read The Expositor article introducing the three-week salmon derby during the summer of 2016. This is just another one of the activities that will help stimulate the economy here on Manitoulin during the busiest time of our tourist season.
In Ontario, from commercial fishing to recreational fishing and tourism, $2.2 billion is spent each year. There are over 120 tourism related businesses registered with the Manitoulin Tourism Association and over 60 percent of them with accommodations located on the water. An event such as this (and other derbies including the Wikwemikong Pike/Bass Classic and Ice Fishing Derby) will not only bring direct revenue to these businesses but also many of the local retailers and outfitters. These events will also highlight the need to further support our local hatcheries and fish and game clubs who work tirelessly to educate our youth, lobby for more funding, and help sustain the fishery for years to come.
I look forward to sponsoring these events as well as participating in them. I encourage you to do the same! Get outdoors!
Captain Neil Debassige
Island Sunrise Fishing Charters
M’Chigeeng
