Exporting, Transporting or Storing Fish

Export of Lake Sturgeon

An export permit called a "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Export Permit" is required to export any sturgeon (in whole or part) from Canada. For more information, contact the nearest MNR office. It is an offence under U.S. law to import fish illegally taken from Canada.

Export of Fish Other than Lake Sturgeon

An angler may, on leaving Ontario, take no more than the designated limits for fish.

Transfer of Live Fish or Spawn

No live fish or live spawn may be transferred from one body of water to another without the authorization of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Live Holding Boxes

If you use a live holding box or impounding device, it must be clearly marked with your name and address (and it must be legible without having to lift the box), unless it forms part of or is attached to a boat. Any fish in holding boxes are part of your limit. Always monitor fish in your possession; allowing fish to waste is an offence. Catch and retain possession limits apply to live holding boxes.

Transporting Sport Fish in Ontario

Anglers need to ensure they are transporting fish in compliance with the regulations, which are designed to protect fisheries resources. The fish that you catch and keep may be cleaned. However, please remember that fish taken from waterbodies where size limits are in effect must be readily measurable at all times, unless the fish are:

• Being prepared for immediate consumption
• Prepared at an overnight accommodation for storage
• Being transported on the water from a temporary overnight accommodation to your residence and you are not engaged in sport fishing
• Being transported overland.

In addition, when packaging fish you must ensure that a Conservation Officer can easily determine:

• The number of fish in your possession
• The species of fish in your possession.

When Packaging Fish, Anglers Should:

• Leave a large patch of the skin on all fillets for identification;
• Pack or freeze fish separately and flat so that they can be counted and identified (clear plastic bags or clear plastic wrap is preferred).