The Ontario government is preventing illegal fishing from harming fish populations.
After being found guilty of collecting and keeping bass outside of the legal window of opportunity, Nabil Bassiouni of Roxboro, Quebec, and Abrahim Abdelgelil of Ottawa both received a $1,125 fine. In addition, Bassiouni was assessed a $250 fine for using an extra line while fishing. Both people’s fishing equipment, including rods and reels, was turned up to the Crown.
A conservation officer was on duty in the early hours of May 22, 2020, in Ottawa, monitoring the Rideau River shoreline close to Burritts Rapids. During the off-season, the officer saw Bassiouni capture and hold a bass. Both people lacked fishing licences. At that point, tickets were given to both people.
Later that day, at the same spot, the conservation officer saw the same two people engaging in the same illegal activity—catching bass and concealing them in the grass. This second check also revealed that Bassiouni was using an additional line when fishing.
On January 16, 2023, Judge of the Peace Stephen Dibblee heard the case remotely from the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa.
The public can contact the ministry’s TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 to report an issue with a natural resource or offer information on an unresolved case. Calling Crime Stoppers anonymously is also possible at 1-800-222-TIPS. Visit ontario.ca/mnrftips for additional details regarding unsolved cases.