[Shot of a fish swimming away from the camera]
NARRATOR >> Whether fresh or frozen, there are three things that an angler must keep in mind when transporting his or her catch.
[shots of fish swimming, shots of anglers fishing]
[fish fillets shown in a cooler]
The species must be readily identifiable. The number of fish must be readily identifiable and with some exceptions, the length of fish - where length limits apply - must be readily identifiable.
[TITLE: Please check the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary or contact your local Ministry of Natural Resources for any exceptions.]
NARRATOR >> As a matter of fact, the species and number must be readily identifiable at all times, unless the fish are being prepared for immediate consumption.
[Shot of someone pan-frying a piece of fish in an outdoor location]
[TITLE: Norm Brown - Conservation Officer, MNR]
NORM BROWN >> There are many good ways to transport fish to keep them fresh as long as the three conditions we've just mentioned are met. One method that anglers should avoid is to pile skinless fillets or fish - headless fish - into a bag and freeze them. Especially in the water.
There is no way for a conservation officer to determine - and confirm - the number and species of fish.
[Shot of an inspector examining pieces of fish from a cooler]
NARRATOR >> And the angler risks being charged, or having the fish seized. Anglers must realize that while they may know that their frozen ball of fish is legal, the conservation officer is responsible to the public of Ontario, to ensure anglers are in compliance with the fishing laws.
One successful method that anglers use that both protects their fish during transport and still allows a conservation officer to inspect their catch, is to wrap fish or fillets individually in plastic wrap.
[Pieces of fish are shown individually wrapped for inspection]
NARRATOR >> A conservation officer can leaf through the angler's catch quickly and cleanly. This works, whether fresh or frozen.