A United States resident has been fined $2,500 under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act for possessing gill nets.
Joseph Jacob Arnold of International Falls, Minnesota, was convicted of possessing gill nets in Ontario without a licence.
Court heard that on June 11, 2016, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officers contacted Arnold on the south arm of Rainy Lake near the Anchor Islands. An inspection of his boat revealed that he was in possession of 1,500 feet of gill net and did not have authorization to possess the nets.
The gill nets were seized and forfeited to the Crown.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Fort Frances, on November 25, 2016.
Gill nets are for commercial use and can only be used and possessed by individuals authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
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).
