Released on September 12, 2016
Two Saskatoon men recently pleaded guilty in Saskatoon provincial court to violations under The Fisheries Regulations and were fined more than $2,600.
In June, conservation officers with the Ministry of Environment received information that two men, who were both suspended from purchasing a Saskatchewan angling licence, were continuing to fish. Officers located the two men and observed them fishing on the North Saskatchewan River near the Laird ferry. As officers watched, one man caught a walleye and tossed it in the bush, only to leave later in the day without retrieving it.
The Ministry of Environment’s canine unit was brought in to locate the wasted walleye. Officers also located other discarded litter that belonged to the two men.
Robert Dewar, aged 33, pleaded guilty to angling while being suspended and was fined $1,400. He was also given an additional three year suspension from purchasing a Saskatchewan angling licence.
Lee Whiteford, aged 63, pleaded guilty and was fined $700 for angling while suspended, $310 for waste of fish, and $250 for littering. He also received an additional one year suspension from purchasing a Saskatchewan angling licence.
Both men had their fishing equipment forfeited and it will not be returned to them.
In February 2016, both men were charged for using live bait and barbed hooks which led to their initial angling suspensions. At that time, Dewar was also found guilty of providing false information to an officer. In May, he was again charged for angling while being suspended.
Through education, prevention and enforcement, the Ministry of Environment’s conservation officers work hard to protect the province’s environment and abundant natural resources. Without the help of the public, many cases would not be solved.
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for Sasktel cellular subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tip. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.
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For more information, contact:
Ron Podbielski
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6595
Email: ron.podbielski@gov.sk.ca