VANCOUVER - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a Terrace resident has been fined $300 for illegal fishing activity in the Kitimat River.

On June 11, 2004, fishery officers observed Carl Zilinski fishing in the Kitimat River using cured salmon roe in an attempt to catch chinook salmon.  There is a bait ban in effect in the Kitimat River from May 15 to August 31, therefore Mr. Zilinski was subsequently charged by fishery officers.  He was also charged for assisting, aiding and abetting a minor in the use of roe. 

Recently, in Kitimat provincial court, Mr. Zilinski pleaded guilty to two counts of using illegal bait on the Kitimat River.  He was fined $300 and forfeited two salmon rods and reels.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is extremely concerned with this type of unauthorized activity and asks for the continued 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 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