Most anglers complied with regulations

[Spiel]

Most anglers complied with regulations

MNR issues ice fishing stats

 

 

April 8, 2009

DAILY NEWS STAFF / www.chathamdailynews.ca

 

 

Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted numerous patrols on the ice-covered waters of Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Rondeau Bay and the Detroit River this winter to check for compliance with ice fishing and safety regulations.

 

In total, 760 resident anglers and 200 nonresident anglers were checked by conservation officers from early January until the last week in February. Compliance with Ontario's sport fishing and public safety related legislation was found to be 75 per cent, the MNR reports.

 

Officers laid 76 charges and 168 warnings were issued for the following offences: fishing without a licence; fishing with too many lines; being more than 60 metres away from fishing lines; fishing without a licence on your person; failing to produce a fishing licence; failing to wear a helmet on an off-road vehicle and snowmobile; and having liquor in an open container.

 

Investigations are still ongoing and additional charges are pending.

 

With the open water season just around the corner, conservation officers will continue patrolling local waterways. Anglers and pleasure boaters are reminded to have the required safety gear on board.

 

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPSMNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-222-TIPS (8477).