KITIMAT RIVER ANGLER RECEIVES FINE
KITIMAT - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a recreational salmon angler has received an $800 fine, and forfeited his rod, reel and all other fishing gear, for illegal fishing activity last summer.
On June 27, 2003, fishery officers were conducting surveillance activities on the Kitimat River when they observed a welded aluminium drift boat with two occupants fishing. Using a spotting scope, the fishery officers observed Christopher Brouse, a Kitimat resident, and his fishing partner using cured salmon roe, attempting to catch Chinook salmon.
Using a small jet boat, one of the fishery officers approached the anglers on the water. Despite instructions from the officer, both fishers cut their fishing lines and then threw the bags of bait overboard. The bags were subsequently retrieved, the drift boat and its entire contents were seized, and both anglers were charged.
On February 13, 2004 in Kitimat provincial court, Mr. Brouse was convicted of using illegal bait and obstructing a fishery officer. He was sentenced to an $800 fine and forfeited all of his fishing gear.
The use of bait is prohibited on the Kitimat River as a fishery management technique to control the catch rate.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is very 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. Please call the 24-hour, toll-free Observe, Record, and Report line at 1-800-465-4336.
Contact:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
