MANITOULIN–The Ministry of Natural Resources will be conducting a fishing enforcement blitz across northeastern Ontario from May 18 to June 2.
The blitz area extends from Hudson Bay and James Bay in the north to the French and Mattawa rivers in the south, and from the Ontario-Quebec border in the east to Lake Superior and the Manitouwadge Area in the west. The walleye fishery generally opens the third Saturday in May across the northeast, including on Manitoulin. The blitz aims to ensure that anglers know and follow the rules.
Anglers can expect a heightened enforcement effort by conservation officers. Laws dealing with catch and possession limits of fish and proper packaging and transportation of fish that have been retained will be a priority. Anglers are also reminded that most people require an outdoors card and fishing licence to sport fish in Ontario
The catch limit is the number of fish anglers are allowed to catch and keep in one day. This includes fish that are not immediately released, that are eaten or that are given away. Possession limit is the amount of fish anglers are allowed to possess whether in actual possession, cold storage, in transit and all other places. Unless specified, catch and possession limits are the same. Fish eaten at a shore lunch are included in these limits.
When packaging fish, anglers must ensure that a conservation officer can easily determine the species and number of fish in the angler’s possession. Unidentifiable fish or fish that cannot be counted may be seized by a conservation officer.
For more information on fishing regulations, please consult the 2013 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary before heading out to fish. The summary is available on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/fishing.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) 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).
