Enforcement GTA Area

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Status Update

By Fish'n Canada

Greater Toronto Area Salmon Migration Enforcement Blitz

October 21, 2013

The Ministry of Natural Resources laid 90 charges totaling $10,930 in fines during a two weekend enforcement blitz on Lake Ontario tributaries across the Greater Toronto Area.

During two weekends in September and October, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers from Peterborough, Guelph and Aurora districts, Lake Ontario and the canine unit, along with OPP police officers from Toronto, as well as Durham, Halton and Peel regions, checked over 450 anglers on many of the tributaries. Officers conducted uniformed and plainclothes enforcement operations related to the fall salmon migration.

The blitz resulted in 90 charges for a total of $10,930 in fines. The most common offences involved snagging and netting fish, fishing in posted sanctuaries and fishing without a licence. Ten individuals were also issued summonses to appear in court.

The Ministry of Natural Resources would like to thank members of the public for making over 110 calls to the MNR TIPS line for suspected unlawful harvesting during this year’s salmon migration across the Greater Toronto Area.

The Ministry would like to remind anglers that it is illegal to intentionally hook or pierce a fish other than in the mouth, or use tackle such as large treble hooks weighted with sinkers for the purpose of foul-hooking fish.

For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the 2013 Fishing Regulations Summary at ontario.ca/fishing.

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).