Wheatley Man Fined $4,500 for Illegal Fishing on Lake Erie

A man from Wheatley, Ontario, has been fined $4,500 for violations related to illegal commercial fishing on Lake Erie, according to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The case against Robert Johnston stemmed from multiple infractions, including failing to retrieve gill nets in a timely manner and allowing fish to spoil.

The Ontario Court of Justice found Johnston guilty of several charges. Specifically, he did not retrieve gill nets from Lake Erie within the mandated eight days, failed to report lost nets to a conservation officer, and submitted inaccurate daily catch reports. Additionally, he neglected to maintain an accurate logbook, which is essential for monitoring commercial fishing activities.

Investigation Uncovers Violations

The case came to light in March 2025 when conservation officers received a public complaint about an abandoned gill net in Lake Erie, near the village of Wheatley. Upon investigation, officers discovered that Johnston, who captains the commercial fishing vessel Dorothy J, had set gill nets on March 3, 2025. Some of these nets were subsequently lost and abandoned.

Commercial fishing in Lake Erie is strictly regulated through licenses issued by the MNR. These licenses include specific conditions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the fishery. Justice of the Peace Maureen Ryan-Brode presided over the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Windsor, on October 20, 2025.

The MNR encourages members of the public to report any natural resource issues or provide information about unsolved cases. Individuals can reach the ministry’s TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Further details about unsolved cases are available on the MNR’s website.

This case underscores the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect the ecosystem and maintain sustainable fishing practices in one of North America’s vital waterways.