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Ministry, Batchewana want to find owner of nets containing rotting fish

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Batchewana First Nation (BFN) is seeking the public’s assistance
SooToday Staff
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NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY

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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Batchewana First Nation (BFN) is seeking the public’s help in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for abandoning gill nets in Whitefish Bay on Lake Superior, near Gros Cap.

On May 2, 2017, conservation officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry responded to a report of gill nets set in the vicinity of Jackson Island in Whitefish Bay. Officers located and removed approximately 750 yards of gill net which contained fish in varying stages of decomposition. The nets were actively fishing at the time of removal.

On April 18, 2017, BFN hosted a forum with the First Nation’s Commercial Fishermen to jointly discuss discipline measures to address issues such as abandoned nets. The First Nation takes these actions very seriously and will work with the Ministry to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The Ministry and BFN are looking for information that will help identify the owners of the nets.

If you have any information about these nets, please contact the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free any time, or BFN Natural Resource Manager, Danny Sayers Jr., at 705-759-0914 ext. 223, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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