Boaters, anglers warned to follow regulations
Dept.of Fisheries and Oceans, RCMP both out on the water making sure rules are followed
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Friday, June 30, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has a warning for sport fishers in the NWT: if you are caught breaking the territorial government's fishing regulations, you could lose your catch, your rod and reel, your tackle and even your boat.
A Department of Fisheries and Oceans boat was moored at the Government Dock in Old Town. Officials have been out on the water for regular patrols in recent weeks. The department is reminding anglers to adhere to NWT fishing regulations or they risk losing their fish, their fishing gear and even their boat. - John McFadden/NNSL photo |
That is according to Greg Kinsman, who is the Yellowknife-based acting DFO field supervisor.
He said DFO vessels were out on regular patrol last weekend doing checks on recreational and commercial fishing areas on Great Slave Lake.
Kinsman said even though his agency is federally controlled, they are also looking for people violating the territorial government's fishing regulations.
"We're basically looking for any possible kind of Fisheries Act violations. We enforce the domestic sport and commercial fisheries regulations," Kinsman said, adding that involves checking licences and looking for fishers using closed areas or taking more fish than allowed.
"We're also out there to do public education to make sure people are aware of the rules and regulations that they have to follow."
Kinsman said 55 anglers were checked around Yellowknife Bay last weekend and seven of those were charged with violations.
"If we detect a violation, then we do start an investigation. If we determine fish were illegally caught, the fish will be seized and sometimes rods and gear will be seized as evidence," Kinsmen said.
"We can seize vessels but we haven't this year. That's something we are able to do but it's not too common."
Kinsmen said officers either issue a warning or lay a charge depending upon the circumstances and the violation.
He added fishing regulations can be found on the territorial government's Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) website.
Meanwhile, the RCMP's marine unit has also been out on the water since the weather turned nice. According to Insp. Matt Peggs, the Mounties have started a series of boat patrols with other enforcement agencies, including DFO and ENR.
 | Checking for impaired or dangerous boating | 
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"When officers are conducting marine patrols, the main goal is to ensure public safety primarily through education and enforcement of the regulations made under the Canada Shipping Act, the Liquor Act and the Criminal Code," Peggs stated in an e-mail.
Using the Small Vessel Equipment Regulations as a reference, officers may ask to see safety items certain boats are required to have, such as approved personal flotation devices for everyone on board, navigation lights or paddles.
"Officers will always be checking for impaired or dangerous boating while on patrol," Peggs said.
He added officers can direct the operator of a vessel to return to shore based on missing safety equipment or other violations of the boating regulations. Mounties can also issue verbal or written warnings or lay charges.
Copies of Transport Canada's safe boating guide are available at the Yellowknife RCMP detachment or on their website.
