As European settlement became established and local government was formed, both the fishing resource and the fishing rights of Ontario’s First Nations were threatened by uncontrolled commercial enterprises. Overfishing by the commercial fishing industry led to the drastic decline of many fish populations and threatened the Atlantic Salmon population in the Great Lakes with extirpation. Legislation drafted as early as 1807 was designed to protect Atlantic Salmon populations. The impact of this decline is seen today in Bowmanville Creek. Non-native species like Rainbow Trout and Pacific Salmon used to restock the lakes after the disappearance of Atlantic Salmon are prevalent. While native species are making a comeback due to the efforts of conservationists, the non-native fish will always be a part of the community.