Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Southpoint Sun - 5
A sign of spring as Wheatley fish tugs begin setting nets By Greg Coulter WHEATLEY — As spring returns, so does a vital industry to the local economy. As the ice cleared from the western basin last week, commercial fishing vessels out of Wheatley and Kingsville ports began setting their nets. Monday morning the Doretta L, captained by Todd Loop, rounded Point Pelee and prepared to set nets out of Kingsville for predominately walleye with some test nets for perch. “With the COVID restrictions relaxing, the food service markets in Ontario look forward to a healthy rebound,” said Captain Loop. “The US market remained steady last year and at this point demand is high for our freshwater products.” Quotas for the year will be set in late March. Last year’s hatch showed signs of a robust pickerel catch subject to winter
survival. John Hyatt of Taylor Fisheries looks forward to processing this year’s catch as the markets are ramping up. Taylor’s popular outdoor onsite fish and chip wagon helped to weather the COVID shutdowns last year and he hopes all Ontario restaurants can return for a successful rebound. Like all industries, the recent fuel price increases are front and centre among the concerns. Captain Loop is currently facing an 80% increase as they set sail compared to their last trip of 2021. Ever-changing wind and weather patterns, along with last year’s algae bloom, are affecting Lake Erie marine life. Commercial fishing is highly scientific, according to Loop. “It’s a lot more than simply setting out nets randomly and hauling in your catch,” he says.
The Doretta L and Taylor Maid sit in the Wheatley Harbour, ready for spring fishing. SUN photo by Greg Coulter
• FULL & PARTIAL DENTURES • REPAIRS & RELINES • IMPLANT DENTURES Our patients’ health is our top priority. With this in mind we have implemented the following safety measures:
Post office reopening at new southerly location WHEATLEY — In a notice sent out to Wheatley residents last week, Canada Post has announced a new location for the Wheatley Post Office. Any uncollected mail as of Friday, March 18 will be transferred to the new
• • •
Post Office for the opening on Monday, March 21. The new location will be located at 21024 Erie Street South, just north of the Pickerel Avenue/Concession 1 intersection.
Kristin Shreve - DD
•
Nursing home visits available Increased PPE for staff Appointments scheduled to allow physical distancing & disinfecting between patients Screening before appointment and upon entering the office FREE CONSULTATIONS
Claudia Szynal - DD
To living your BEST Retirement Life at Seacliff Manor! At Leamington’s best retirement residence, our activities and events calendar is PACKED each month with fun and exciting opportunities for our residents! This month, we’ve got Pączki Day, an outing to the Casino, our Maple Fest, various exercise classes, and even a St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Don’t hibernate at home alone! Move to Seacliff Manor Retirement Residence and join your new friends in all of the fun!
Call 519.326.2624 to book your tour today!
30 Seacliff Drive E., Leamington ON, N8H 0E5 seacliffmanor.ca • 519.326.2624
