Ontario Protecting Fish from Illegal Angling

February 24, 2023

The Ontario government is safeguarding fish populations from illegal angling.

Nabil Bassiouni of Roxboro, Quebec and Abrahim Abdelgelil of Ottawa were found guilty of catching and retaining bass during the closed season and were fined $1,125 each. Bassiouni was also found guilty of fishing with an extra line and was fined an additional $250. Both individuals had their fishing rods and tackle forfeited to the Crown.

The court heard that on the morning of May 22, 2020, a conservation officer was patrolling the shore of the Rideau River near Burritts Rapids in Ottawa. The officer observed Bassiouni catch and retain a bass during the closed season. Neither individual had a fishing licence. Both individuals were issued tickets at that time.

Later that day, the conservation officer observed the same two individuals, at the same location, committing the same offence of catching bass and hiding them in the grass. It was also discovered during this secondary inspection that Bassiouni was also fishing with an extra line.

Justice of the Peace Stephen Dibblee heard the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ottawa, on January 16, 2023.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.