A road check conducted by Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers near Fort Frances found that 95 per cent of anglers stopped were in compliance with the law.
During the road check on May 28, 2010, officers stopped 500 vehicles on Highway 11, east of Fort Frances, and sent 172 to a check station for inspection. Most were non-residents.
Five charges were laid and 15 warnings issued for offences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and Ontario fishing regulations, including:
- having more than the legal limit of fish
- packaging fish so they could not be readily identified or counted
- transporting fish taken unlawfully, and
- failing to produce a valid fishing licence.
Officers took the opportunity to educate the public about resource use conservation issues.
Conservation officers conduct routine checks to ensure that anglers and hunters are obeying a variety of resource laws.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).