Archived News Releases

September 4, 2015

Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advises on Oct. 26, 2014, natural resource officers conducting recreational fishery compliance inspections at the St. Andrews Dam in Lockport noticed a fisher catch more than the allowable limit.  On the Red River, licenced anglers may only keep a combined total of four walleye or sauger fish.  Officers observed an individual put more than that amount into a cooler beside him and when they investigated they found more than 20 fish inside.  After initially agreeing to co-operate, the individual resisted officers and had to be restrained.  A search of his vehicle turned up 37 walleye or sauger, and six quillback sucker fish.  In addition, the angler was using a barbed hook, which is prohibited in Manitoba.

The Red River faces heavy pressure by recreational anglers and special possession limits are put in place to help ensure the sustainability of fish populations.  To prevent waste, the seized fish were divided up and donated to local charities.

On Aug. 21, Yue Qiang Lu pleaded guilty to this offence and was fined $927.  

It should be noted that if a similar incident occurred today, with new penalties in place for the illegal taking of fish or wildlife a fisher would face an additional penalty of $1,386 based on $42 for each of the 33 walleye or sauger over the limit.  These restitution fees, announced Aug. 31, will be directed toward wildlife management and conservation through the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund.

Anyone with information about illegal activities is asked to call their local Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Office or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).

As part of provincial plans to address the establishment of a special conservation area at the Lockport fishing ladder, an open house to discuss the options for increased protection of pelicans and fish will be held on Friday, Sept. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gaffers Restaurant and Lounge in Lockport.

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