Towards sustainable recreational fisheries in Kenauk Nature Reserve

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The recreational fishing sector in Canada generates some $8 Billion CDN annually, much of which is derived from tourism and outfitting services. Kenauk Nature Inc located near Montebello, Quebec, has been offering custom outfitting, guided hunting and fishing services, as well as wilderness and eco-tourism packages since 2013. Kenauk is one of the largest private fish and game reserves in North America. Their business depends on the ability to provide clients with access to near pristine high-quality fishing. The largest and most popular waterbody at Kenauk is Papineau Lake. This waterbody also has the largest number of rental cabins on the property along with the most land area (e.g., on islands or shoreline) for future development. Yet, there is much uncertainty regarding the state of key gamefish populations in Papineau Lake. The lake trout are regarded as having small body size relative to some public waterbodies in Quebec and Ontario but it is unclear why. Lake trout in Papineau Lake may comprise more than one population with different diet, growth, and behavioral characteristics, rather than a single, interbreeding population. Lake trout and other key gamefish such as smallmouth bass and largemouth bass may be subject to competition as thermal conditions change.There is a need to understand key seasonal habitats (including those used for spawning) for lake trout, as well as smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, to ensure that future development activities do not impair fish production and to identify opportunities for restoration. To that end, this CRD partnership grant proposes to generate scientific information on the biology of several key gamefish species to ensure that the recreational fisheries on Papineau Lake are sustainable. This knowledge will be used by Kenauk Nature Inc to identify means of maintaining or enhancing key fish populations and in planning their future business growth in a manner that is sustainable.