Prince Rupert - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a Prince Rupert resident has received a conviction for obstructing a fishery officer.

On July 27, 2002, fishery officers were conducting a routine patrol of the recreational fishery in the Skeena River area (Area 4) when they encountered Gottfried Gaube fishing for salmon in an aluminum skiff. The fishery officers approached the skiff and asked to inspect Mr. Gaube's fishing gear. The officers then observed Mr. Gaube drop some fishing gear overboard. He was subsequently charged with obstructing a fishery officer. The gear was not able to be recovered.

Recently in Prince Rupert provincial court, Mr. Gaube was found guilty and fined $250, as this was his first offence.

Fishery officers, fishery guardians, RCMP or local police have the authority to ask to inspect an angler's catch, fishing licence or fishing gear. Anglers must comply with such requests.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is extremely concerned with illegal 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