In Ontario, Canada, fishing without a valid license or failing to carry it while fishing can result in hefty fines and other penalties. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has recently implemented significant changes to hunting and fishing fines, with about 50 fines being doubled and 251 new fines being introduced in 2024.
Increased Fines for Fishing Violations
Among the doubled fines are penalties for infractions such as fishing without a license, which has increased from $100 to $200. Additionally, anglers who fail to produce a license when asked by a conservation officer face a fine of $155.
Other notable fine increases include:
- Failing to wear proper hunting clothing – $300, up from $100
- Unlawfully firing a gun across a roadway
The new fines introduced in 2024 include penalties for various offenses, such as failing to file proper paperwork for tourism operators, unlawfully hunting specific wildlife, and hunting outside of designated seasons.
Potential Penalties for Fishing Violations
In Ontario, fishing violations are primarily addressed and regulated under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, and the associated regulation, O. Reg. 664/98 (Fish Licensing), among other regulations.
Violations of these regulations can lead to a provincial offences prosecution with potential penalties that include fines, fishing license suspensions, and other possible consequences, including a maximum of two (2) years in jail.
Specifically, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 states:
A person convicted of an offence under this Act is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000, to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.
In cases where the offence was committed for commercial purposes or under specific sections of the Act, the penalties can be even more severe, with fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.
Supporting Responsible Fishing Practices
Despite the increased fines, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has emphasized its commitment to making outdoor activities more affordable and accessible for Ontarians who comply with regulations.
The ministry has introduced initiatives such as a fee freeze on hunting and fishing licenses, the removal of service charges, and the introduction of more license-free fishing opportunities.
Mark Ryckman, the Manager of Policy at the Federation of Anglers and Hunters, noted that the majority of people adhere to the regulations while hunting and fishing and may not be aware of the previous and current fine amounts.
He expressed hope that the increased fines will encourage greater compliance with the rules and serve as a stronger deterrent for rule-breakers.