Walleye named Manitoba's provincial fish

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Published on Thursday, May 22, 2014

myWestman.ca

The walleye was named Manitoba's provincial fish on Thursday.

The walleye, or pickerel, was one of several species up for nomination as approximately 4,000 Manitobans cast votes on who they wanted as the 'provincial fish' on the province's website in the months leading up to the announcement.

Walleye finished with 1,450 votes, with sturgeon and goldeye coming in at 660 votes and 600 votes, respectively. Northern pike received 455, while catfish came in fifth with 330 total votes.

"Following extensive public input, Manitoban's voices were heard loud and clear; they love to fish, and whether they call it a walleye or a pickerel, there's no question this fish represents a huge part of our provincial history," said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh in a release. "From a child's first fish, to one pulled in from a commercial fisher's net, nothing represents a Manitoba catch like the walleye."

Along with the provincial fish, the Manitoba government also added two more symbols that help define the province's heritage and history.

"We are pleased to announce and formally recognize the Plains bison as the provincial mammal and Big Bluestem as the provincial grass," said Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Lemieux.  "The bison has long been a symbol of the province and we have proudly added the walleye and Big Bluestem grass to reflect our rich history and natural resources."

Establishing a provincial fish, mammal and grass is consistent with TomorrowNOW, Manitoba's Green Plan to establish the province as an eco-learning capital by working together to protect the environment while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy.

With files from Manitoba news release