Lake Erie fishing violations lead to fine and probation

Shawn Cook, captain of the commercial fishing vessel Lady Pietra, was fined $10,000 and placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to unlawfully depositing materials in Lake Erie and abandoning fish flesh suitable for food.

• What happened: Investigators said 320 yards of gill nets containing rotten fish washed ashore near Port Stanley over several days in July 2025.
• Fish found in the nets: Walleye, yellow perch, white perch and white sucker.
• Court: The Ontario Court of Justice heard the case in St. Thomas on May 25, 2026.