$6,000 Fine For Commercial Fishing Violations
A Kingsville commercial fishing licence holder has been fined $5,000 and a Lake Erie commercial fishing boat captain has been fined $1,000 for commercial fishing violations.
D. W. Murray Fisheries Limited, of Kingsville, owner of a commercial fishing licence and Donald Rutgers, also of Kingsville, captain of the commercial fishing vessel “William T. R.”, pleaded guilty to one count each of violating the terms and conditions of a commercial fishing licence.
An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources found that on October 9, 2009, the quota for walleye assigned to the company’s commercial fishing licence had been reached and exceeded by 801 kilograms. Then, on October 24, 2009, a total of 578 kilograms more walleye were caught and landed in excess of the quota. Donald Rutgers was the captain of the fishing vessel that caught and landed the over-quota walleye.
Justice of the Peace Elaine Babcock heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on December 09, 2009.
To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
David Beneteau, Lake Erie Enforcement Unit, 519-825-4297
Colin Stass, Lake Erie Enforcement Unit, 519-825-4687
