Priority for action to deal with suspected violations is guided by the degree of harm caused and whether or not the alleged offense is a repeat occurrence. Enforcement staff do not have the authority to decide not to apply the appropriate subsection. However, in applying the Act officers are required to administer its provisions in a manner that is fair, predictable, and consistent. Compliance with the Act is mandatory. The application of the Act is guided by the Fisheries Act Compliance and Enforcement Policy, currently in draft form but expected to be published in the near future.
Inspections are primarily complaint-driven.
When complaints are brought to the attention of enforcement personnel, inspections are carried out, subject to available resources. When potential violations are discovered there are several responses available to the inspector. Some of the most common are warnings, inspector's directions and prosecutions. Warnings Warnings are used when there are reasonable grounds of a violation having occurred and where potential harm is not severe. Warnings are used to bring an alleged violation to the attention of the alleged violator.