Conservation Officers Uncover Violations By Anglers During Enforcement Blitz
Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers from the Sioux Lookout, Dryden and Red Lake districts laid 29 charges and issued 30 warnings during a two-day enforcement blitz, July 2 and 3, on Lac Seul, Minnitaki, Abram, Pelican and Botsford lakes. The Ontario Provincial Police accompanied the conservation officers for a portion of the blitz.
Conservation officers checked 446 anglers, of which 324 were non-residents, for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ontario Fisheries Regulations.
Charges and warnings were issued for:
- Possessing an over limit of fish
- Transporting fish taken unlawfully as they were in a restricted size range
- Transporting live fish or spawn
- A range of licence infractions, including fishing without a licence and failing to produce a licence.
In addition, conservation officers issued warnings for infractions of the Liquor Licence Act and Small Vessel Regulations.
The ministry reminds the public that conservation officers conduct routine checks to ensure that anglers are obeying a variety of resource laws.
For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres and from 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).
Andy Lock, Sioux Lookout District, 807-737-1146
Mike Prepp, Dryden District, 807-223-7551
Dave H. Anderson, Red Lake District, 807-727-1393
Grant Painter, Fort Frances District, 807-597-5011
