The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry laid 42 charges and issued 33 warnings in an enforcement blitz conducted during the fall salmon run in the Port Hope and Cobourg area.
In response to public complaints from previous years regarding unethical angling practices on the Ganaraska River in the Town of Port Hope, and Cobourg Creek in the Town of Cobourg, patrols by conservation officers and Port Hope and Cobourg Police Services were increased in these areas during the 2016 fall salmon run.
From September 16 to 18, 2016, conservation officers checked 494 anglers for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Ontario Fishery Regulations and legislation related to public safety.
Charges were issued for: fishing without a licence; trespassing to fish; fishing without carrying a licence; catching and retaining a salmon that is not hooked in the mouth; snagging salmon; catching salmon with a net; catching salmon by hand and fishing for salmon with a gaff.
Fishing equipment and fish were also seized during the blitz.
