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Fishing fines going up

The Ministry of Natural Resources has raised fishing fines for the first time since 1989. Details are included in the following news release issued by the MNR today around 4:30 p.m.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has raised fishing fines for the first time since 1989. Details are included in the following news release issued by the MNR today around 4:30 p.m.:
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HIGHER FINES FOR FISHING VIOLATIONS FOR 2004

NORTH BAY – Anglers caught violating Ontario’s Fishing Regulations will be facing higher fines starting this month.

Enforcement supervisor, Gerry Van Leeuwen, says some fines have almost tripled. Fishing without a licence used to net the offender a $50 fine. That has been increased to $125, plus nearly $30 in victim surcharge fees and court costs. The fees and costs will vary with the fines.

Van Leeuwen says this marks the first increase in fines in over 15 years.

Instead of fisheries summons, offenders will now receive a Provincial Offences ticket, much like a traffic ticket. The ticket gives the defendant the option of pleading guilty with an explanation, along with previous options of paying the fine or going to court.

Conservation Officers don’t need to get a Justice of the Peace to sign tickets any longer nor get the ticket to court within a set period of time.

Other examples of fines increases include, fishing inside a sanctuary $200, up from $100 and fishing with more than one line, $50 per line, $50 for the offence, up from $25 for both. The maximum penalty for fishing violations under Ontario’s Fishing Regulations is $100,000 and/or six months in jail.

The public is encouraged to help protect its natural resources by reporting violations to the local MNR office or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).