Vancouver - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a Vancouver resident has received a jail sentence for failing to comply with a probation order and for fishing for crabs during a closed time.

While on a routine patrol on December 6, 2002, a fishery officer observed Boi Van Nguyen fishing for crabs in a closed portion of Vancouver Harbour. Mr. Nguyen was also in contravention of a condition of probation that prohibited him from being within 50 metres of the shores of Burrard Inlet from the Lions Gate Bridge to the Second Narrows Bridge for a period of one year. The probation order was as a result of fishing for crabs during a closed time and for failing to comply with a court order under the Fisheries Act. Mr. Nguyen was subsequently charged, arrested and detained.

Recently in Vancouver provincial court, Mr. Nguyen was sentenced to 90 days in jail. This is Mr. Nguyen's fourth jail sentence in the past year for fishery-related offences.

The Vancouver Harbour area, between the Lions Gate Bridge and the Second Narrows Bridge, is closed all year for fishing for crabs, shrimp and prawns to avoid conflicts with navigational activity in the harbour.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is extremely concerned with unauthorized activity and asks for assistance from the general public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336.

Contacts:

Ken Green
Fishery Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 664-9308