June 26, 2009

WEEKEND ENFORCEMENT BLITZ NETS MANY ANGLERS

Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers from Chapleau, Wawa and Gogama districts and the Ontario Provincial Police Snowmobile, All Terrain Vehicle, Vessel Enforcement (S.A.V.E.) unit conducted a two-day marine fisheries patrol on Biscotasi Lake, Ramsey Lake, Indian Lake, Rice Lake and Opeepeesway Lake on June 11-12, 2009.

Officers checked 123 anglers for compliance with both provincial and federal fish and game regulations.

Forty fisheries-related violations were found and 13 charges were laid. The remaining violations were dealt with by warnings and by educating anglers about:

• Marking live holding boxes and impounding devices
• Properly packaging fish fillets
• Ensuring a piece of skin is left on each fish fillet
• Failing to produce fishing licence for inspection, and
• Making a false statement to a conservation officer.

In addition, 51 violations were found for non-fisheries related legislation, for which officers laid 29 charges and issued 22 warnings. The violations were related to:

• Failure to possess personal flotation devices or lifejackets
• Failure to possess proper boat safety equipment
• Possession of alcohol while boating, and
• Failure to produce a driver's licence.

To report a natural resources 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).

www.ocoa.ca