Illegal Fish – 2010 Fishing Guide

The sale of sport caught fish is an historic problem in the Province of Ontario that has had on our fishery resources and has put public health and safety at risk for decades and it’s y time soon. While fish may be taken in the more rural areas of the province the people who are involved in the activity are often from urban centers and the marketing opportunities are often in the cities. In early 2009 the Ministry of Natural Resources Enforcement Branch began a campaign to get the public involved in the effort to reduce the sale of sport caught fish in the province.

The Unlawful Sale of Angler-Caught Fish involves all species of fish and all communities in Ontario. It has the potential to affect every Ontario resident in the areas of human health risks and economics. The practice holds significant risks for public safety, has a serious kidFishing impact on local businesses and endangers local fishery resources. There is legislation which protects the health and safety of Ontario residents by safeguarding you, your family and your friends eating fish from contaminated waters or fish that have not been handled in a clean and sanitary way. Sport-caught fish are not subject to food safety and quality inspections.

Fishing is an important economic activity in Ontario. The Ontario Commercial Fisheries industry employs approximately 3,500 individuals in the Province either in the fishing vessels or in the processing and packing facilities. Anglers should know that it is illegal to sell or buy fish or fish parts caught for sport. The maximum penalty for illegal sale or purchase of sport-caught fish is a fine of up to $100,000, two years imprisonment or a combination of both.