Individual Fined For The Illegal Sale Of Uninspected Fish
NEW AIYANSH - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that a northern B.C. resident has been fined $3,000 for the illegal sale of fish to a local restaurant.
On August 23, 2001 fishery officers conducted a routine inspection of a restaurant in Nass Camp, B.C. As a result of the inspection and a subsequent inspection of the freezers, 12 bags of processed halibut fillets were found. Further investigations determined that the halibut was caught near Kincolith, B.C. without the authority of a fishing licence that authorizes sales.
Recently, in New Aiyansh provincial court, Calvin Barton pleaded guilty to selling halibut without the authority of a licence. Mr. Barton received a fine of $3,000 and all seized halibut was forfeited. The severity of the penalty is intended to act as a deterrent for others who are engaging or considering engaging in similar activity in the area or other parts of the province.
With the implementation of the Nisga'a Treaty, DFO has worked cooperatively with the Nisga'a Lisims Government to manage and conserve the fisheries resources of the Nass River. Conservation and Protection staff work closely with the Nisga'a Fisheries program to monitor and regulate the commercial, recreational and First Nations fishing for food, social or ceremonial purposes in the Nass Valley. Fishery officers play a key role in the enforcement of the Fisheries Act and implementation of the new Nisga'a Fish and Wildlife Regulations.
The Department would like to remind the public that only fish caught under a licence that authorizes the sale of that fish 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. Fish that is not properly processed or stored may cause serious illness. It is unlawful to sell or offer to sell any fish that have not been caught under a licence that authorizes sales. For further information, contact your local DFO office.
Businesses or individuals that buy or sell fish are subject to federal and provincial fisheries and health legislation. The unlawful possession of fish and the purchase/sale/barter/trade of such fish may pose a threat to human health and safety. Violators are subject to arrest, fines, jail, and forfeiture of anything seized.
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
