Ontario Protects Fish Populations from Illegal Fishing

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The Ontario government is safeguarding future fisheries populations by ensuring angling rules are followed to provide fishing opportunities for future generations to enjoy.

Four men were fined a total of $9,250 for trespassing for the purpose of fishing, possessing a spear within 30 metres of the water's edge and fishing by means other than angling. All four men were also suspended from fishing and had equipment forfeited to the Crown.

Basil Mathew of Barrie pleaded guilty to possessing a spear within 30 metres of the water's edge, trespassing for the purpose of fishing and fishing by means other than angling. He was fined a total of $3,250 and suspended from fishing for one year.

Emil Eldhose, Denny Varughese and Vishnu Viruthy-Mohanan all of Barrie pleaded guilty to trespassing for the purpose of fishing and fishing by means other than angling. Each were fined $2,000 and suspended from fishing for one year.

The court heard that in the early hours on September 15, 2023, conservation officers were conducting angler inspections in the Municipality of Clarington. Officers observed these four men in and around the water, below the Bowmanville Dam. The four were trespassing to fish while using techniques other than angling to fish and were all in possession of multiple illegally caught salmon. In total, six salmon, a spear, a large dipnet and fishing rods with large treble hooks attached were seized.

Justice of the Peace HW. Forestall heard the cases in the Ontario Court of Justice within the Town Whitby on March 6, 2024.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visitontario.ca/mnrtips.

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