MNRF cracking down on illegal fish sales in Aylmer

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is seeking the public’s help to identify the individual or individuals selling “angler-caught fish” in the Aylmer area.

Kevin Sprague, a conservation officer with MNRF’s Southern Marine Enforcement Unit, confirmed that the fish in question was “mostly yellow perch.”

He said a search warrant was executed by MNRF conservation officers with the assistance of Aylmer Police at a garage on Chestnut Street in Aylmer on Tuesday, July 19.

A second search warrant was executed on a fishing vessel at a local marina in Port Bruce, Mr. Sprague said.

“Evidence seized include a fishing vessel, fishing equipment, fish processing equipment and a substantial amount of evidence relating to the illegal sale of angler-caught fish,” Mr. Sprague said.

No charges had been laid as of Monday afternoon, July 25 and Mr. Sprague said the investigation would continue.

Anyone with information about the sale of illegally caught fish in the Aylmer area was asked to contact the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667.