$2,500 In Fines For Offences Related To Illegal Sale and Harvest Of Baitfish
Three tourist businesses in the Wawa area pleaded guilty to offences related to the selling and harvesting of baitfish.
Mar Mac Lodge and Camp 88 were fined $800 each for unlawfully taking baitfish and $300 each for selling baitfish without a commercial bait licence. White River Air was fined $300 for buying baitfish without a commercial bait licence.
Court heard that in July 2011, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted a commercial baitfish inspection at Mar Mac Lodge. It revealed that between May and July 2011, the lodge had trapped and sold baitfish without a commercial bait licence. During the inspection, it was revealed that Camp 88 had also trapped and sold baitfish without a commercial bait licence. An inspection of an associated business, White River Air, revealed that it had purchased baitfish and sold it to its clients without a commercial bait licence.
Justice of the Peace Pierre Leclerc heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on September 11, 2012.
Harvesting and selling of baitfish are activities regulated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and require a licence. The ministry reminds the public that conservation officers conduct routine checks to ensure that anglers and operators are obeying a variety of laws.
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).
