LEECHES COST AMERICAN ANGLERS

Released on September 15, 2003

Two American anglers from Williston, North Dakota have voluntarily paid a total of $580 in fines after being caught attempting to illegally import 30 dozen leeches into the province. Anglers often use leeches as live bait.

Saskatchewan Environment's Kevin Murphy says laws against importing live bait into Saskatchewan are in place to guard against the spread of diseases that may affect the province's fish population.

"The fish in Saskatchewan evolved with certain diseases and, as a result, have developed a resistance to them," Murphy said. "However, Saskatchewan's fish may not have a resistance to a disease brought in from outside the province and if it got established it could have a huge impact on our commercial and sport fisheries. So it is easier to set up systems to try to stop foreign species, that could carry diseases, from entering the province than it would be to try to deal with a disease once it becomes established."

Canada Customs agents found the leeches when the men attempted to cross the border at the Port of Oungre border crossing on August 28th, 2003. The Canada Customs agents were acting on an anonymous tip, which had been received by Saskatchewan Environment conservation officers based in Regina.

There are 27 species of leeches found in Saskatchewan and although it is legal to use them as live bait it is illegal to use leeches or any other live bait, other than earthworms or night crawlers, from outside of the province. Frogs, salamanders and live fish may not be used as bait.

Murphy says anglers who wish to use leeches as bait should buy them from a reputable Saskatchewan supplier.

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For More Information, Contact:

Art Jones Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-5796