The fourth and final individual involved in illegally harvesting shellfish in Deep Bay, British Columbia, Canada has been convicted and fined, bringing the total amount of fines on the group to CAD 18,000 (USD 12,914, EUR 11,170).
The four individuals were first caught illegally taking oysters from Deep Bay on Vancouver Island 26 August 2023. According to DFO, the accused failed to appear in court throughout proceedings, leading the government to issue arrest warrants.
Three of the individuals were sentenced in Vancouver Provincial Court in May 2024, with Ya Chung Lao fined CAD 7,000 (USD 5,022, EUR 4,343) and prohibited from fishing for one year, Yilai Zhu fined CAD 3,500 (USD 2,511, EUR 2,172), and Chun Shui Tu fined CAD 3,000 (USD 2,152, EUR 1,862).
On 7 July, the Courtenay Provincial Court handed down the final sentencing of the group, fining Xiaohua Liu CAD 4,500 (USD 3,228, EUR 2,792) for making a false or misleading statement and unlawful possession of oysters.
In total, that brings the fines against the four up to CAD 18,000.
“DFO reminds all recreational and commercial shellfish harvesters to review current regulations before harvesting,” DFO said in its announcement of Xiaohua Liu’s sentencing. “Following licensing requirements, catch and possession limits, species restrictions, and area closures helps protect fish and shellfish populations and supports sustainable fisheries for future generations.”
