Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development are reporting that conservation officers, through a variety of enforcement activities, have handed out numerous tickets and fines for illegal activities in the month of July, 2022.
From July 2 to 9, conservation officers conducted several patrols of the Red River in the south end of Winnipeg in response to public complaints of illegal fishing activity. A total of 16 tickets were issued to 14 individuals for various offences including angling without a licence and possessing more fish than the possession quota. Set fines for the tickets issued total $5,029. If convicted, individuals will be required to pay an additional $5,964 in restitution to the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund.
On July 9, Manitoba and Saskatchewan conservation officers patrolled Lake of the Prairies to educate anglers about regulations related to the lake and aquatic invasive species laws and prevention. Seven tickets were also issued for fishing infractions relating to illegal equipment, oversized fish and failing to carry licenses.
From July 11 to 17, conservation officers at Birds Hill Provincial Park responded to a variety of enforcement and public safety issues including open liquor, illegal vehicle operation and impaired driving in the campground. They also provided support to RCMP officers responding to several incidents in the park.
From July 15 to July 17, conservation officers stopped the drivers of 22 vehicles towing watercraft who did not report to the watercraft inspection station in Headingley as required by the Water Protection Act. These stops resulted in five tickets and 17 written warnings. The fine for failing to stop at a watercraft inspection station is $672.
To share information on illegal activity,call the local Natural Resources and Northern Development office or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).
