$5,000 Fine For Commercial Fishing Violations

A Port Stanley commercial fishing licence holder has been fined $1,500 and a Lake Erie commercial fishing boat captain has been fined $3,500 for commercial fishing violations.

Bonnie Jackson, of Port Stanley, owner of a commercial fishing licence and Joe Jackson, also of Port Stanley, captain of the commercial fishing vessel “G.W. JACKSON”, pleaded guilty to one count each of violating the terms and conditions of a commercial fishing licence.

An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources found that on September 2, 2008, the quota for walleye assigned to Bonnie Jackson’s commercial fishing licence had been reached. However, on September 10, 11, and 12, 2008, a total of 117 kilograms of additional walleye were caught and landed in excess of the quota. Joe Jackson was the captain of the fishing vessel that caught and landed the over-quota walleye. Bonnie Jackson was fined $1,500 and Joe Jackson was fined $2,000.

In a separate matter, Joe Jackson pleaded guilty to two counts of violating the terms and conditions of a commercial fishing licence and was fined $1,500. An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources found that on two separate occasions in 2008, Jackson failed to declare a total of 34 kilograms of white bass he caught and landed.

Justice of the Peace Robert Seneshen heard the cases in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on November 13, 2009.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).