There’s some uncertainty about some native commercial gill nets in Colpoy’s Bay.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has received complaints from the Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association that the fishing nets are placed illegally.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound MP Larry Miller has been told the nets are illegal, but he tells Bayshore Broadcasting News only some have been removed from the water.
Miller says the Conservation Officers have been unable to move other nets because they are waiting for word from their MNR bosses.
But the MPP for the area — Bill Murdoch — says they don’t know if the native nets have been placed in illegal areas.
Murdoch says that has to be determined by the native fishing agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
But the local MPP says they still haven’t received a copy of the deal even though it was signed two years ago.
The release of the document was appealed at that time and the courts must decide whether it should be released to the public.
Miller doesn’t like the fact there appears to be two different rules because if he was fishing illegally, his nets would be removed and he would be fined.
Miller says the double standards are not good for Natives or Non Natives.
He says the nets are also a safety issue.
Miller adds the MNR Conservation Officers should be able to do their jobs without their hands being tied.
