Burns Lake conservation officers have identified a large number of violations involving illegal fishing activities in and around the Lakes District.
Conservation officers have been conducting compliance checks on anglers in the region over the past few weeks. Charges include exceeding bag limits on trout and sockeye, and fishing in closed areas.
Jeff Palm, a Burns Lake conservation officer, explained that Babine Lake has a number of 400-metre closures in place in order to ensure fish have the ability to spawn in creek mouths untouched by anglers. He said local officers have also been involved in projects along the Skeena River, where compliance with regulations has also been low.
"B.C. has world class fishing opportunities and conservation officers are attempting to ensure recreational fishing is conducted in a fair and pleasant fashion," said Palm.
"No one wants to see greed and chaos when they go out for a day of fishing," he continued. "Patrols conducted by the game warden attempt to encourage fair play as well as protect the resource."
The public is encouraged to report any fish wildlife or pollution violation to the report all poachers and polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277.