INDIVIDUAL CONVICTED OF FISHING IN A CLOSED AREA AND UNAUTHORIZED SALE OF FISH
PRINCE RUPERT - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a fisherman has been fined and his catch forfeited due to Fisheries Act violations in northern B.C. coastal waters.
On July 22, 2003, fishery officers were conducting a patrol in the Area 3 commercial salmon gillnet fishery near Prince Rupert. They observed the commercial vessel Helen H fishing in a closed portion of Area 4, just outside of Port Simpson, B.C. Upon investigation it was determined that Glen Wesley, the skipper of the vessel, was commercial fishing in a closed area. Officers laid charges and seized Mr. Wesley's catch.
On July 31, 2003, fishery officers again observed the Helen H fishing in Area 4 for sockeye, which was closed for commercial fishing. After fishing all day in Area 4, the vessel headed to Area 3, which was open to commercial fishing. As undercover officers watched, the Helen H offloaded its catch onto a commercial packer. Mr. Wesley had been fishing under a licence that did not authorize the sale of fish. Mr. Wesley's vessel and catch were seized and he was subsequently charged.
Recently, in provincial court, Mr. Wesley pleaded guilty to the above related charges. He was fined a total of $4,250, forfeited his catches (valued at nearly $6,600), and was unable to use his vessel while it was seized, a period of almost five months of lost revenue. This is a substantial penalty.
Fishing activity that has not been scheduled or approved by the Department has the potential to negatively impact other subsequent fisheries and may place the resource at risk. Subject to meeting conservation objectives, Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides fishing opportunities to First Nations, commercial, and recreational fishers. When conservation concerns are apparent, fishing opportunities are restrained. Fishing during a closed time and the unauthorized sale of fish are serious offences.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada would like to remind the public that only fish caught under a licence that authorizes sales should be sold or purchased. In addition to this, any fish that is being sold to the public must go through the necessary health and safety inspections that are required when selling to the public. A receipt should accompany the sale. Fish that has not been inspected may not be safe to eat.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is concerned with any contravention of the Fisheries Act and Regulations and asks for assistance from the general public for information on such activity Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or the local Prince Rupert DFO office at (250) 627-3089.
Contact:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
