Man Fined $1,700 for Poaching Fish in the Moira River
MNR NEWS June 12, 2014
A Paris, Ontario, man has been fined $1,700 and ordered not to fish for two years; he also forfeited his fishing rod and reel to the Crown.
Michael J. Barnes pleaded guilty to charges under the Ontario Fishery Regulations of catching and retaining fish in the closed season and fishing without a licence.
The court heard that on May 19, 2014, conservation officers checked Barnes, who was angling in the Moira River in Belleville. Barnes was found to be fishing without a licence and in possession of a largemouth bass. Further investigation revealed a second largemouth bass and a muskellunge that had been caught by him in the Moira River in Belleville the previous day. The fishing season for both species of fish was closed at that time.
Justice of the Peace Jack Chiang heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Belleville, on June 10, 2014.
For further information on fishing regulations, please consult the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ontario.ca/fishing.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (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).
