Campbell River, B.C. – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that a fish harvester has been fined $1,800 and forfeited his vessel after pleading guilty to nine separate counts of the illegal sale of prawn, halibut and cod.
In 2000, Mr. Gerald Paquin of Campbell River began harvesting prawns in the Tahsis Inlet area, and he subsequently harvested and sold prawns, halibut and cod. Mr. Paquin fished under the authority of aboriginal communal fishing licences that did not authorize the sale of fish.
As part of their investigation, fishery officers conducted a series of inspections and surveillance operations. During the investigation, it was discovered that Paquin had started fishing using a 16-foot speed boat but eventually moved to a commercial size vessel powered by twin 150 horsepower engines complete with radar and crew members.
Recently in a Campbell River provincial court, Paquin appeared and pled guilty to nine separate counts of the illegal sale of prawn, halibut and cod and was fined $1,800. In addition, Paquin's vessel, 105 prawn traps and ground gear worth approximately $36,200 were seized and forfeited.
DFO acts to end illegal fishing activity. As part of this work, the Department is asking 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.
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