The Ontario government is safeguarding fish populations by ensuring anglers do not exceed their sport fishing limits.
Andre Malguzzi of Ottawa pleaded guilty to possession of fish over the legal limit, and possession of fish packed in a manner that could not easily be counted and was fined $10,000. In addition, he is prohibited from possessing an Ontario fishing licence and engaging in any fishing activities in Ontario for one year.
The court heard that on June 21, 2021, conservation officers received information that a group of individuals attended a remote fly-in fishing camp on Whitewater Lake, north of Armstrong and were in possession of several bags of fish, potentially over their allowable limit. Conservation officers stopped a vehicle near Thunder Bay and discovered a cooler containing eight bags of frozen, skinless fish and one large northern pike. Malguzzi admitted to being responsible for possessing all the fish. Once thawed, the bags contained 140 pieces of fish, totaling 40 walleye and five northern pike putting him over his allowable limit of four walleye and four northern pike.
Justice of the Peace Nancy Tulloch, heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on April 24, 2023.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.