Goulaigan fined for unlicensed commercial fishing

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* Unlicensed commercial fishing results in convictions A Goulais Bay resident has been fined $500 for illegal commercial fishing.

Jeffery Cress was convicted for commercial fishing related offences under the Fisheries Act, Ontario fishery regulations and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

In addition to the fine of $500, he was ordered not to engage in commercial fishing except under the authority of an appropriate licence.

Approximately 22,000 feet of gill nets and the proceeds from the sale of over 2,000 pounds of seized fish were forfeited to the Crown.

In September 2007, the Ministry of Natural Resources received information that Cress was attempting to sell fish using a document issued by a First Nations community.

Cress had been informed on numerous occasions by conservation officers that he needed a commercial fishing licence issued by the province to sell fish.

After an investigation, it was determined that Cress was commercially fishing without a valid commercial fishing licence.

Justice of the Peace Gilles Lecouteur heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on February 25.

Anyone who wishes to fish commercially must have an Ontario commercial fishing licence or agreement from the province.

Anyone who buys fish that was caught illegally may also be investigated and subject to penalties of up to $100,000 or two years in prison under the Fisheries Act.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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