June 10, 2009
$13,000 FINE FOR LAKE ERIE COMMERCIAL FISHING VIOLATION
A Wheatley commercial fishing licence owner has been fined $11,000 and a Lake Erie commercial fishing boat captain has been fined $2,000 for catching 6,348 lbs of yellow perch over their assigned quota.
Jack Liddle, of Wheatley, owner of the commercial fishing licence and Renato Adragna, of Kingsville, captain of the commercial fishing vessel "Liddle Lady", each pleaded guilty to one count of failing to stop fishing for yellow perch after the assigned quota was reached.
An investigation conducted by Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers determined that on May 6, 2008, the commercial fishing vessel "Liddle Lady", captained by Renato Adragna was commercial fishing for yellow perch in the Chatham-Kent waters of Lake Erie and reached their allocated quota. The captain continued to fish for an additional four days and landed a total of 6,348 lbs of over quota yellow perch.
Justice of the Peace Jack Carroll heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, in Windsor, on June 3, 2009.
Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers monitor the commercial and sport fishing industry to protect Lake Erie's fishery resources which are managed through an international partnership with the bordering U.S. Great Lakes states.
To report a natural resource
violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your
local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime
Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).