In early June, Alberta Fish and Wildlife were patrolling a section of the Highwood River near Longview, which led to three people being arrested and charged.
Not only is the Highwood River closed to sportfishing from Nov. 1 to June 15, but there is also a bait ban, which is in place to help protect bull trout and other sensitive species.
While Fish and Wildlife were patrolling the river, three men and one youth were observed fishing in a closed area, who were also using "set" lines, which are usually associated with bait fishing.
Not only that, but as the Fish and Wildlife officers approached, the three men were seen discarding white bags into the river, hiding gear amongst the rocks, and removing bait from their lines.
This had led the adults to be arrested for obstruction.
They were charged with:
• Sportfishing in closed waters
• Use of prohibited bait
• Obstructing a fishery officer
• Fishing without a license
• Improper disposal of waste into a water body
On June 18, the three individuals pled guilty to a number of the charges in the Diamond Valley provincial court, including:
• Sportfishing in closed waters
• Obstructing a fishery officer (destroying evidence)
• Littering in a waterbody
Each of the individuals received a $1,200 fine.
One of the individuals, Amiran Gogoberishvili, has previous convictions for fisheries-related offences, and was also issued a judicial order implementing a one year fishing suspension in Alberta.
If you encounter someone who is committing fisheries offences, Alberta Fish and Wildlife encourage people to observe and report the offences without confronting the violators.
Officers are often able to attend the scene to collect further evidence, which also helps to determine if the people have a violation history.
To report any wildlife or fishing violations, call Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800, or report online.