71 Charges In Weekend Enforcement Blitz
The Ministry of Natural Resources laid 71 charges and issued 63 warnings during a weekend enforcement blitz on three lakes in south-central Ontario on February 26, 27 and 28, 2010.
Aurora District conservation officers, with the assistance of Midhurst District enforcement unit, checked almost 1,500 anglers on Lakes Simcoe, Couchiching and St. John. Officers were on the ice checking for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ontario Fisheries Regulations, including ice hut registrations and baitfish.
Charges were issued for:
- Fishing without a licence
- Obstructing a conservation officer
- Making a false statement to a conservation officer
- Angling with more than permitted number of line
- Failing to maintain a clear and unobstructed view of any line
- Catching and possessing too many fish
- Transporting fish unlawfully taken and
- Catching and possessing fish during closed season.
Officers also checked for compliance under the Motorized Snow Vehicle and Off-Roads Vehicle Acts. Charges were issued for driving while under suspension, not wearing helmets, and for not having proper permits and insurance for snow machines and all-terrain vehicles.
For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the 2010 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available from 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 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).
Doug Poirier, Aurora District, 905-713-7345
Bill Lafferty, Aurora District, 905-713-7373
