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Lots of charges in baitfish blitz

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry laid 18 charges and issued 71 warnings in a two-month baitfish enforcement blitz in the Northeast Region. Conservation officers from North Bay,Chapleau, Wawa, Timmins, Hearst, Kirkland Lake, Sault Ste.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry laid 18 charges and issued 71 warnings in a two-month baitfish enforcement blitz in the Northeast Region.

Conservation officers from North Bay,Chapleau, Wawa, Timmins, Hearst, Kirkland Lake, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury checked 1,394 individuals from May 1 to June 30, 2015.

Officers inspected 126 bait dealers and harvesters, paying special attention to the possession and sale of species other than bait, the proper use of log books, and licensing.

They also worked jointly with the Ontario Provincial Police, Quebec conservation officers, the ministry’s canine units and other agencies to check 134 individuals entering Ontario to ensure baitfish, leeches, crayfish and invasive species were not being imported into the province.

In addition, officers inspected 1,134 bait buckets, at boat launches and on water, to ensure only baitfish species were being used for angling and bait was being disposed of properly.

Officers laid 18 charges for:

  • possessing unlawful fish from other jurisdictions
  • fishing without a licence
  • selling fish without a licence
  • bringing live leeches into Ontario for bait
  • failing to comply with licence conditions
  • possessing non-baitfish species


Officers issued 71 warnings for:

  • failing to complete, produce or keep a bait dealer’s daily log
  • possessing non-baitfish species
  • possessing more than 120 baitfish
  • taking baitfish for commercial purposes without a licence
  • failing to submit an annual return