VANCOUVER - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that the Department of Justice has filed an appeal of the recent court sentencing decision in R. v. Anderson et al that granted 40 commercial fishers absolute discharge.

In August 2002, the 40 commercial fishermen conducted an illegal fishery for the purpose of protesting in Johnstone Strait during a closed time.  On June 17, 2003, in Campbell River provincial court, Judge Brian Saunderson granted these 40 fishermen an absolute discharge. 

"We are disappointed with the recent Provincial Court decision," said Don Radford, Regional Director of Fisheries Management.  "The Department of Justice has determined that there are sufficient grounds to appeal the sentencing decision and we hope that the appeal process will be expedited." 

Illegal fishing activity not only places the resource at risk, but also disrupts the management and conduct of a fishery. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to the conservation and protection of the resource today and for future generations, and will continue to enforce the Fisheries Act and its regulations to maintain the sustainability of the resource.  

Contact:

Wayne Saito
Fisheries Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-3271