From the MNRF
Most anglers stopped at a check on Highway 17, at the Manitoba border, were found to be complying with Ontario’s fishing regulations.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officers, along with a canine unit, conducted the enforcement blitz on Aug. 24.
Officers were checking for compliance with fishery and invasive species regulations, with a special focus on the movement of aquatic invasive species and bait crossing the border into Ontario.
Conservation officers checked 80 vehicles from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Minnesota during the five-hour operation.
Officers issued three charges–all for the offence of bringing live leeches into Ontario for bait.
Additional charges are pending under the Fisheries Act, including:
•bringing live leeches into Ontario for bait;
•making a false or misleading statement to a fisheries officer; and
•obstructing a fisheries officer.
One additional charge is pending under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Conservation officers also used the enforcement blitz to educate the public about angling regulations.
To report a natural resources violation, call toll-free 1-877-847-7667 any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
As well, visit Ontario.ca/mnrftips to view an interactive, searchable map of unsolved cases.
You may be able to provide information that will help solve a case.
