www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
January 6, 2008

OCOA Encourages Safe Enjoyment of Ice Fishing Season

The winter of 2008 is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory for those who enjoy ice fishing and snowmobiling, and hundreds of thousands of Ontarians will soon be trying their luck at their favourite fishing spot. The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable winter on the province's lakes and rivers.

As stewards of the environment, Conservation Officers (COs) are responsible for protecting the natural resources of Ontario from abuse, and are also actively involved in enforcing the public safety legislation that keeps us all safe as we enjoy our great outdoors.

After two years of public consultations and the drafting of new laws, Ontario has a new set of sport fishing regulations in place effective January 1, 2008. In many parts of the province, the rules have changes significantly, with new seasons and catch limits designed to protect our fisheries for future generations of citizens to enjoy.

"CO's will be out patrolling this winter, making sure that people are following the catch limits that protect our fisheries. There have been many changes to the rules for 2008, and I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of the new Regulations Summary and familiarize themselves with the new rules.", says OCOA President Dan VanExan, a field Conservation Officer.

In addition to ensuring compliance with the fishing laws, CO's will be focusing their enforcement efforts on the rules that relate directly to the safe enjoyment of a day on the ice. Officers will check for the wearing of proper helmets, and the possession of valid ownership and insurance for all persons operating snowmobiles or ATVs. In addition, they will be enforcing the Liquor Licence Act, making sure that public safety is not endangered by those who might consume liquor illegally on public lakes and trails.

The personal safety of anglers is also a concern for CO's, who often are called upon to assist people who find themselves in dangerous situations in the outdoors. In most cases, these people could have prevented the problems they encountered by being better prepared and informed before leaving home.

The OCOA offers the following advice to those planning a day of fishing:

• before heading out onto the ice, be sure to check local ice and weather conditions;
• make sure you know your route of travel, and tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return;
• carry basic rescue and survival equipment in your clothing, NOT in your pack or on your machine;
• learn how to perform basic field maintenance of your equipment, and carry a simple tool kit.

"It is our hope that by educating the public and enforcing these important laws, we can help to make this a memorable ice fishing season." concludes VanExan.

Anyone with information about a natural resources or public safety related crime is encouraged to call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources violation reporting line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667), contact their local CO directly, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For more information about natural resources regulations and enforcement, please visit the OCOA website at www.ocoa.ca, or contact your local Conservation Officer.

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For more information contact:

Dan VanExan
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(613) 478-6132

www.ocoa.ca