HIGH VIOLATION RATE DETECTED DURING WINTER ENFORCEMENT BLITZ

April 9, 2009

The Ministry of Natural Resources laid 18 charges and issued 54 warnings during a fishing enforcement blitz on lakes in the Barry's Bay area of Renfrew County and Nipissing District in March.

Conservation officers from Pembroke and Bancroft districts involved in the enforcement effort found that 24 per cent of the anglers checked were in violation of a statute or regulation.

A ministry canine unit was used to track down an angler who attempted to evade officers involved in the blitz. The suspect was found and apprehended with the help of the Killaloe detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Offences that resulted in charges and warnings include:

• Fishing without licence
• Fishing with too many lines
• Fishing with set lines
• Failing to produce licence
• Having open containers of liquor
• Failing to wear helmet on A.T.V.
• Operate A.T.V. no insurance
• Possess live bait in specified waters
• Use live bait in Provincial Park
• Obstruct conservation officer
• Catch and retain fish out of season

For further information about fishing regulations, please consult the 2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available from licence issuers, or on the ministry's website (ontario.ca/fishing).

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact the ministry's Midhurst District office at 705-725-7500 during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

www.ocoa.ca