Consultation on proposed national ticketing for fisheries violations

We sought feedback on plans to expand our options for ticketing minor fishing offences enforced under the following regulations:

• Pacific Fishery Regulations
• Atlantic Fishery Regulations
• Fishery (General) Regulations
• British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations
• Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations

Issuing only warnings or laying charges isn’t effective at addressing minor offences. Using tickets for minor fisheries violations would have the following positive effects.

• Individuals and companies that are ticketed would save the time and expense of appearing in court.
• Courts could focus on more serious offences.
• Fishery officers would have more time to focus on higher priority files.
• There would be a consistent national approach to minor fisheries violations.

Who was the focus of this consultation

We engaged with:

• stakeholders, such as:
• commercial fishers
• recreational fishers
• Indigenous groups
• members of the public
• provincial governments

Key questions for discussion

We asked for your comments on:

• whether the proposed fines and violations make sense and seem consistent and fair
• the positive and negative effects this ticketing plan will have on you or your industry
• whether this ticketing plan will be accepted in your region or industry or seen as problematic

Related information

• Deck for consultation