CHATHAM: The Ontario government is protecting fish in Lake Erie from improper handling resulting in waste.
Michael Pilon of Morpeth pleaded guilty and was fined $3,000 for allowing fish suitable for human consumption to spoil and $500 for failing to keep an accurate commercial fishing logbook.
The court heard that on September 24, 2020, conservation officers received a complaint about a possible abandoned gill net in the Chatham-Kent waters of Lake Erie near the Village of Erieau. Officers located the suspected abandoned net, which was removed from the lake and was determined to have been previously set by Pilon.
Approximately 254 kilograms (561 pounds) of mostly spoiled walleye was in the net, which was deducted from the commercial fishing licence holder’s walleye quota. Justice of the Peace David Auger heard the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chatham.
Conservation officers is reminding everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, Ontario can all ensure that natural resources stay healthy. To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847- 7667.
You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800- 222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.