Work out acceptable ways of protecting fish populations from overfishing

Taking large spawning female fish as trophies could reduce population quickly. Overfishing may occur in relation to mineral exploration or popular and accessible drive-to or fly-in lakes. Several lakes in RRDTT were placed under emergency protection this year due to the increase in fishing related to the nearby location of mining exploration camps. RRDC members commented that the traditional way was to fish a lake and then leave it for 2-3 years.

There is a need to discuss options for managing lakes in RRDTT so that some opportunity for fishing exists while not endangering the fish populations. Such options may include; catch and release, lower catch limits, release of large females only. It was also noted that through the land claims settlement, certain lakes could be reserved for the exclusive use of the First Nation.