SASKATCHEWAN ANGLERS FINED $4,200 FOR FISHERIES VIOLATIONS

Two Saskatchewan men pleaded guilty to one count each under The Saskatchewan Fisheries Act and Regulations and were fined a total of $4,200 in Melfort Provincial Court.

Larry Sens of Melfort was convicted for possessing northern pike within the protected size range of 75-115 cm that were taken contrary to The Saskatchewan Fisheries Regulations. He was fined $1,400 and prohibited from purchasing an angling licence for two years.

Larry Lee of Tisdale was convicted of aiding and abetting in the contravention of the Act. He was fined $2,800 and prohibited from purchasing an angling licence for three years.

The charges were laid as the result of a two-year investigation by the Ministry of Environment. The investigation determined that protected size northern pike were being caught and kept on Tobin Lake. Tobin Lake is well known as one of the premier walleye and pike fishing destinations in Saskatchewan. Reduced limits on the lake are designed to protect the fisheries for future generations.

"Taking protected fish can harm efforts to maintain game fish populations," Environment's Compliance and Field Services Executive Director Kevin Callele said. "We hope that the significant penalty imposed in this case will serve as a deterrent to those who abuse our fisheries resources in the future."

Anyone who is aware of or who suspects wildlife, fisheries or environmental violations is encouraged to report them to the nearest Ministry of Environment office or to call the provinces toll-free Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from any SaskTel cell phone subscribers.

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For more information, contact:

Bonnie Greene
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-3499
Email: bonnie.greene@gov.sk.ca