PRINCE RUPERT - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a Prince Rupert resident has been fined. 

In August 1999, fishery officers received information that Melvin Erwin Leask was going to be selling or trading 18 halibut (approximately 220 pounds), fish that had not been caught under a licence that authorizes sales.  After an eight-hour surveillance, fishery officers observed Mr. Leask making a transaction, using the fish in exchange for goods and service at a local business.  He was subsequently arrested and the halibut was seized. 

Recently, in Prince Rupert provincial court, Mr. Leask was found guilty.  He was fined and forfeited the halibut. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada would like to remind the public that only fish caught under a licence that authorizes sales should be purchased. In addition to this, fish and shellfish that is being sold to the public must go through the necessary health and safety inspections that are required when selling to the public. For further information, contact your local DFO office. 

The Department 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:

Clarence Nelson
A/Detachment Supervisor, Conservation and Protection
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(250) 627-3419