Report of the Department of Lands and Forests for fiscal year ending March 31, 1951 Page 40 



nets is less apt to interfere with trap net activities. Although the trap net is smaller 

 than the usual Lake Erie pound net, and therefore required less of the expensive 

 twine in its construction, it is believed that in many locations it is more efficient in 

 taking fish. The comparative mobility of the trap net is also an important factor in 

 its favour. 



Coarse Fish Removal 



Experiments involving coarse fish and whitefish removal by commercial 

 fishermen in waters which had been reserved for angling continued during the year. 



Closer co-operation between Anglers' and Hunters' organizations and commer- 

 cial fishermen has been achieved to the betterment of both groups. 



Applications of biological studies concerning fish populations, which are aimed 

 at harvesting all species of fish were a feature of the 1950 fishing efforts. 



Georgian Bay 



The investigation of small mesh 'chub" gill nets and of baited hook trout 

 fishing in Georgian Bay was continued during the summer of 1950. The effect of these 

 types of fishing upon populations of young lake trout was a matter of deep concern 

 both to the fishermen and to the Department. 



It was shown that when small mesh net is not set at proper depths that it may 

 become a menace to small lake trout. Further study of the situation is required before 

 many of the problems in this regard can be solved. 



Nylon 



The use of nylon as a gill net textile continued to spread among the industry 

 in 1950. In Lake Erie practically all of the netting used is nylon, and cotton side lines 

 are slowly being replaced by the newer material which is not destroyed or weakened 

 b}' fungus attack. 



Throughout all the industry in Ontario nylon nets are replacing the older 

 textiles as new nets are brought to replace worn out ones. 



ENFORCEMENT 



Some two hundred conservation officers patrol the province to enforce the 

 Game and Fisheries Act, the Special Fisheries Regulations and the Migratory Birds 

 Convention Act. They are under the direct control of the District Foresters in their 

 respective areas, and receive valuable assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police, 

 Royal Canadian Mounted Police and deputy game wardens appointed from interested 

 sportsmen. 



The statistical details which follow show the results from their activities. 



Seizures 



During the annual period April 1, 1950, to March 31, 1951, there was a total 

 of 2,619 cases in which equipment was seized for infractions of legislation and 

 regulations. 



Table No. 1Q 



Details of the officers who were responsible for these seizures are as follows: 



Conservation Officers 2,240 cases Conservation Officers and 



Provincial Police Constables 10 cases R.C.M.P. .... 1 



Deputy Game Wardens 1 case Conservation Officers and 



D.G.W. 310 



Joint Action" : 



Conservation Officers and 368 cases 



O.P.P. 57 2,619 cases 



