A group of Manitoba residents has been fined for multiple violations in connection with a fishing trip to Shoal Lake, near Kenora.
Ontario's natural resources ministry said in a release Friday the ruling showed the importance of following rules meant to “maintain sustainable fisheries for future generations to enjoy.”
Justice of the peace Patricia Clysdale-Cornell heard the case remotely in provincial court in Kenora on May 5.
The court heard that on the evening of June 13, 2020, conservation officers made contact with the group during a marine patrol on Shoal Lake, which has long been closed to commercial and recreational walleye fishing due to previous overharvesting.
Officers found the group had caught and retained 11 walleye, and noted four members were also not licenced to fish in Ontario that year.
Brody Leathwood and Richard Maxwell of Stony Mountain, Manitoba were each fined $1,800 for catching and retaining fish during closed time, and $200 for fishing without a licence.
Curtis and Wendy Maxwell, also of Stony Mountain were each fined $200 for fishing without a licence.
Curtis Maxwell and Michael Wasnie of Selkirk, Manitoba were each fined $400 for angling for fish during closed time.
Members of the group pled guilty to the charges.
