ICE FISHING OVER - OPEN WATER SEASON BEGINS

March 26, 2009

Conservation officers from Lake Erie and Aylmer Districts conducted numerous patrols on the ice-covered waters of Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Rondeau Bay and the Detroit River this winter to check for compliance with ice fishing and safety regulations.

In total, 760 resident anglers and 200 non-resident anglers were checked by conservation officers from early January until the last week in February. Overall compliance with Ontario's sport fishing and public safety related legislation was found to be 75 per cent.

A total of 76 charges and 168 warnings were issued for the following offences:

• Fishing without a licence
• Fishing with too many lines
• Being more than 60 metres away from fishing lines
• Fishing without a licence on your person
• Failing to produce a fishing licence
• Failing to wear a helmet on an off-road vehicle and snowmobile
• Having liquor in an open container.

Investigations are still ongoing and additional charges are pending.

Warnings were issued for:

• Failing to register an ice fishing hut
• Trespassing for the purpose of fishing
• Failing to have insurance for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles
• Driving an off-road vehicle and snowmobile without a permit.

With the open water season just around the corner, conservation officers will continue patrolling local waterways. Anglers and pleasure boaters are reminded to be sure they have the required safety gear on board.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

www.ocoa.ca