DISCARDING FRESH PINK SALMON LEADS TO FINE
PRINCE RUPERT - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that a Port Hardy resident, who was fishing in Prince Rupert last summer, has been fined for wasting fish.
On July 23, 2003, fishery officers responded to a complaint from members of the public that an individual was seen dumping fish into the water at the Prince Rupert Petro Canada Marine fuel docks. The fishery officers responded within minutes of notification and questioned Glenny Sandy Robertson about the accusations. Mr. Robertson claimed he was cleaning fish and only throwing the entrails overboard. Two local divers (one of the divers works for DFO) were called on to retrieve the fish and recovered a total of 13 whole pink salmon. Mr. Robertson was subsequently charged for wasting fish that is suitable for human consumption.
Recently, in Port Hardy provincial court, Mr. Robertson pleaded guilty and received a fine of $1,000. The pink salmon was forfeited and given to the Prince Rupert Wildlife Shelter.
Under Section 34(3) of the Fishery General Regulations it states that "No person who is food fishing for personal use or fishing for recreational or sport purposes shall waste any fish that is suitable for human consumption."
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
