Fines and Fishing Ban for Fishing in Sanctuary
A Cochrane man has been fined a total of $1,500 for illegal fishing.
Larry Prevost was fined $750 for fishing in a fish sanctuary during the closed season and $750 for catching and retaining walleye over the specified daily limit. He is also prohibited from fishing until January 1, 2011.
Court heard that on May 15, 2010, Prevost was fishing at the Little Abitibi River-McQuibban Township fish sanctuary. While trolling from his vessel at Pierre Lake, Prevost entered into the fish sanctuary on several occasions. A surveillance team of plain-clothes Ministry of Natural Resources officers were on the scene and saw Prevost catch and retain nine walleye, some of which he gave to other anglers who were fishing next to his vessel.
Justice of the Peace Dolores Boyuk heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Cochrane, on June 17, 2010.
The ministry reminds the public that Ontario’s walleye population is highly sensitive to angling during the spawning season. Fish sanctuaries are put in place to protect fish populations during their most sensitive period. Also, any fish caught and retained, including fish given to another person, are part of the daily catch and retain limit. Any fish taken illegally are unlawful for another person to possess.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Dan McKnight, Cochrane District, 705-272-7166
John MacDonald, Cochrane District, 705-272-7163
