Two North York residents, caught illegally fishing salmon with nets at the Bowmanville Creek in Clarington last year, have been fined $2,500 each.
The court heard that on September 15, 2024, conservation officers were conducting focused enforcement efforts at the Bowmanville Creek in the Region of Durham.
With the assistance of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, officers observed two individuals netting spawning salmon at night using a makeshift net. Officers contacted the two individuals and determined they were unlicenced to fish, said a provincial statement.
It said Justice of the Peace Karen Valentine heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Whitby, on May 7, this year.
The two poachers, both of North York, pleaded guilty to fishing for salmon with unlawful equipment, unlawfully sport fishing at night and fishing without a licence. They were fined $2,500 each.
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/mnrtips.