A Sturgeon Falls man has been fined $1,500 for fishing violations.
Charles Vallieres pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for possessing an over-limit of walleye and $500 for making a false statement to a conservation officer. In addition, he is barred from obtaining or possessing a fishing licence, or engaging in any fishing activities, for one year. All fish seized were forfeited and donated to the local food bank.
Court heard that on March 14, 2014, officers inspected two anglers on Lake Nipissing. Upon investigation, it was found that Vallieres had caught and retained five walleye over his legal limit. He further provided a false statement to the officers, stating the extra walleye belonged to his fishing partner. Lake Nipissing has a legal possession quota of two walleye with a sport fishing licence.
Justice of the Peace Michel Moreau heard this case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sturgeon Falls, on January 19, 2015.
For more information on fishing regulations, please consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary www.ontario.ca/
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free 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).