65 Charges in Fishing Enforcement Blitz
The Ministry of Natural Resources laid 65 charges and issued 50 warnings during a weekend enforcement blitz on three lakes in south central Ontario.
On February 7 and 8, conservation officers and deputy conservation officers from Midhurst District checked 1,127 anglers on and around Lakes Simcoe, Couchiching and St. John. Officers were on the ice and at access points checking for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ontario Fisheries Regulations for species such as lake trout, whitefish and yellow perch.
Charges and warnings were issued for:
- Fishing without a licence
- Failing to produce a licence
- Fishing with too many lines
- Failing to register an ice hut, and
- Having an over limit of whitefish.
A few anglers were charged for having herring which is a prohibited species. The fish were seized.
Officers also laid charges against individuals under the Motorized Snow Vehicle and Off-Roads Vehicle Acts for not wearing helmets and not having proper permits and insurance for snow machines and all-terrain vehicles. Charges and warnings were issued under the Liquor Licence Act for having open liquor on the ice.
For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available from licence issuers, or on the ministry’s website (ontario.ca/fishing).
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact the ministry’s Midhurst District office at 705-725-7500 during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
For Further Information:
Rick Maw, Midhurst District, 705-725-7508
