A two month MNR baitfish blitz led to 18 charges and 71 warnings in the Northeast. Conservation Officers from Timmins, and surrounding areas, inspected over 120 bait dealers and harvesters. They were making sure licenses were legit, and bait wasn’t being imported. Among the charges was bringing live leeches into Ontario for bait, and having non bait-fish species. Over 1000 bait buckets were also inspected on the water.
Officers laid 18 charges for:
- possessing unlawful fish from other jurisdictions
- fishing without a licence
- selling fish without a licence
- bringing live leeches into Ontario for bait
- failing to comply with licence conditions
- possessing non-baitfish species
Officers issued 71 warnings for:
- failing to complete, produce or keep a bait dealer’s daily log
- possessing non-baitfish species
- possessing more than 120 baitfish
- taking baitfish for commercial purposes without a licence
- failing to submit an annual return