$4,500 Fine For Humber River Salmon Poacher

$4,500 Fine For Humber River Salmon Poacher

NEWS December 12, 2011

A Toronto man has been fined $4,500 for illegal salmon fishing at the Old Mill Dam on the Humber River.

Stephan Tymchyshyn, of Etobicoke, pleaded guilty to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Ontario Fishery Regulations. In addition to the fine, his fishing licence has been suspended for two years and his fishing equipment has been permanently forfeited. Previous fishing convictions were considered in handing down this sentence.

The court heard that on the evening of October 8, 2011, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers found Tymchyshyn fishing in the Humber River immediately below the Old Mill Dam, in an area that is closed to fishing. Tymchyshyn was found to be in possession of illegal fish snagging equipment and two pails of fish roe.

Justice of the Peace David R. Keilty heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto, on December 1, 2011.

Migratory fish, such as rainbow trout and salmon, are vulnerable to poaching when they congregate in the pools at the base of dams while moving upstream to spawn. Signs posted at the Old Mill Dam remind anglers that no fishing is permitted within 60 metres downstream of the dam.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Glad they caught him and I say "sock it to him".
People like that need to be severely punished.
Based on the article, this was not his first offence.
What they need to do is start confiscating vehicles that were used to transport the person to the location where the offence took place.
Do that a few times and the poachers will get the message.
SDC

100% Agree!!!!!!!!!

I say we throw him in the river,tie on some trebles and do a little fishing ourselves.... downstream of the dam of course.

As part of his sentencing, his previous conviction were considered. Now do you really think he gives a rats butt whether or not he has a fishing licence to go and poach in the future.

makes me sick to the stomach, not only was he snagging salmon but how many more fish did he kill with 2 pails of roe.

Complete disregard for our resources. Throw him in the river with lead weights around his ankles.

I hope the fish gods come down on him for a long,long time !!!Hopefully the fine was substantial !!!

Fine was 4500.

What happens if he doesn't pay it?

When poachers are caught during hunting they will confiscate vehicules, trailers mobile homes etc. Once the court case is finalized and a fine assessed once paid the confiscated items are returned unless otherwise stated in the court documents. It would be interesting to know if the fine is separate from the value of goods seized or inclusive???

1.this ws a fishing offence.

2. only articles in direct commission of the crime are seized

3. fines levied are either set in law or mandated by judge..separate form any itmes seized.

Clearly with his illegal snagging equipment, the guy's a poacher for profit. That fine is a drop in the bucket. He'll probably just write it off on his tax return as self employed and get it all back. The system is a joke.

At least let's give the guys credit for geting him to court and the conviction.

I see a ton of pedaphiles walking the streets.....with prior convictions..just to put in in perspective.