VANCOUVER - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that two Vancouver residents have been convicted for illegally possessing clams in contravention of the Fisheries Act.

Following an investigation by fishery officers, Wei Neng Zheng has recently been convicted in Vancouver provincial court and fined $100, and ordered to pay an additional $2,400 for the purpose of promoting the proper management and control of clam fisheries.  Shao Juan Luo has also recently been convicted and fined $100, and ordered to pay an additional $500 for the purpose of promoting the proper management and control of the clam fisheries.

The charges stemmed from an investigation into complaints of illegal harvest and sale of clams in the Ladysmith area in May 2002.  On May 22, 2002, fishery officers conducted surveillance operations and observed the illegal transport of clams from Ladysmith to a restaurant in Vancouver.  Mr. Zheng and Ms. Luo were arrested as clams were removed from a vehicle and taken into a restaurant.  An inspection of the vehicle operated by Mr. Zheng revealed nine sacks containing clams and an additional sack was recovered from the restaurant.  In total, approximately 430 kilograms (950 pounds) or in excess of 23,000 clams was seized.

An inspection of the clams revealed that there was no evidence that they had been lawfully harvested from a legitimate source.

Portions of the B.C. coast are closed to harvesting due to sewage contamination or Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP or "red tide"). Harvesting bivalve shellfish from closed areas is not only a violation of the Fisheries Act but is also a serious health risk. Shellfish contaminated with shellfish toxin can cause serious illness, and cooking does not destroy the PSP toxin. Crab and shrimp are not affected by these kinds of toxins.

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.

Contact:

Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872