Enforcement blitz nets 28 charges

MNR News Release

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The Ministry of Natural Resources conducted an 11-day enforcement blitz from March 10 to 20 in Fisheries Management Zone 10, targeting natural lake trout fisheries.

Conservation officers from Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Kirkland Lake, Timmins, Chapleau, North Bay and Sudbury districts checked 531 anglers. Officers issued 35 warnings and laid 28 charges under the Ontario Fishery Regulations and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

The following natural resource violations were detected:

- Using more lines than permitted

- More than 60 metres from the line

- Angling with more than four hooks

- Angler not using barbless hooks

- Using bait that is either invasive or not baitfish

- Possessing fish that cannot be counted or identified

- Catching and retaining more fish than allowed

- Fishing without carrying a licence and failing to produce a licence

- Making a false statement to a conservation officer
Trespassing for the purpose of fishing.

In addition, conservation officers issued 48 warnings and 16 charges under the Off Road Vehicle Act, Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and sections of the Liquor Licence Act.

Anglers are reminded to have all valid licences, and to follow all catch, possession and size restrictions. They should also be aware of ice conditions and take precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.

For more information on fishing regulations, please consult the 2011 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. The summary is also available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, licence issuers and at ontario.ca/fishing.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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