Nearly 700 anglers were met by conservation officers earlier last month in an enforcement blitz in the Ear Falls area.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry laid 25 charges and issued 52 warnings during the blitz along Highway 105.

From June 7-9, conservation officers from the Kenora, Red Lake and Dryden enforcement units checked 26 resident anglers and 659 non-resident anglers on lakes along Highway 105 between Ear Falls and Vermilion Bay. Officers were checking for compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, the Ontario Fishery Regulations and public safety laws.

Charges were issued for:

• Fishing without a licence.

• Having an over-limit of fish.

• Keeping fish of a prohibited size.

• Fishing in a sanctuary during closed season.

• Abandoning fish suitable for food.

Warnings were issued for:

• Skinning fish so that species cannot be identified.