NIPIGON Residens Fined $3,050 for Illegal Fishing Activities
$3,050 In Fines For Illegal Fishing Activities
Two Nipigon-area residents have been fined a total of $3,050 for fishing and boating related offences.
Marc Paquette was fined $900 for possessing six walleye over the legal limit, $500 for obstructing conservation officers, $200 for operating a small vessel after sundown without navigation lights and $200 for not having a buoyant heaving line aboard the boat. He also received a one-year fishing suspension.
Steven Meservia was fined $750 for possessing five walleye over the legal limit and $500 for obstructing conservation officers.
The court heard that on June 21, 2010, conservation officers conducted a routine angler check on the two men as they returned to the Frazer Lake boat launch, north of Nipigon. Paquette and Meservia told the officers that they had four walleye in their possession. Further investigation revealed 11 more walleye hidden in the bilge of the boat.
Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Nipigon, on March 28, 2011.
The ministry reminds anglers that it is illegal to catch and keep large quantities of fish. An individual may not have more fish than the possession limit of that species. Possession includes storing fish at home, at other locations or in freezers, as well as transporting them and holding them in live wells. In addition, a person cannot knowingly make a false or misleading statement to a conservation officer carrying out duties under the Fisheries Act.
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).
