IT IS ILLEGAL TO BUY OR SELL THE ROE OF SPORT CAUGHT FISH
Sport fishing is an important recreational activity for many Ontarians and the Ministry of Natural Resources encourages fishers to make full use of all sport caught fish.
However, an Ontario Sport Fishing Licence is not a licence to sell any part of your catch; it is illegal to buy or sell the roe of sport caught fish.
People who are involved in the illegal sale of fish roe: - harvest fish for the eggs before the fish have an opportunity to spawn, reducing local
population renewal rates; - waste the flesh of adult fish harvested for their roe alone; - deplete local fish stocks during spawning periods when fish are particularly vulnerable; - remove fish and eggs from rivers and lakes; even eggs which do not hatch play a
critical link in the ecosystem; and - increase the chance of spreading fish diseases if the roe comes from disease effected
waters.
Buying or selling of sport caught fish and roe is prohibited under Ontario’s
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.
The maximum penalty for illegal sale or purchase of fish roe is a fine up to $100,000, two years’ imprisonment, or a combination of both.
This legislation protects Ontario’s fish populations by prohibiting sport fishers from harvesting fish for commercial gain.
If you have any information about unlawful sale of fish roe, or any other natural resources violation, call the Ministry of Natural Resources TIPS line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667).
You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).