120 Charges in Walleye Enforcement Blitz
Ministry completes 3 week walleye fishery focused enforcement blitz
June 22nd, 2010
The Ministry of Natural Resources laid 120 charges and issued 333 warnings during a three-week enforcement blitz focusing on the walleye fishery in northeastern Ontario.
Conservation officers checked 6,690 anglers from May 15 – the opening of walleye season – to June 5. Officers were checking for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ontario fishing regulations.
Charges were issued for:
- Fishing without a licence
- Fishing with too many lines
- having an over-limit of walleye
- Fishing in a sanctuary
- Improper transportation and packaging of caught fish.
A total of 99 walleye and other fish which were taken illegally were seized.
Officers also laid charges and warnings under the Liquor Licence Act, Small Vessels Act, and Off-Roads Vehicle Acts. Many of the violations were concerning operating motor vehicles or vessels with open liquor. Since the region was under a restricted fire zone during the blitz, charges were laid under the Forest Fire Prevention Act.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry’s office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
