Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fined a charter vessel captain CAD 5,000 (USD 3,603, EUR 3,128) for possessing illegally caught fish, including more than a dozen undersized Dungeness crab.
On 30 May, DFO officers conducted an inspection of a charter vessel operated by Jichuan Shi as it returned to Steveston Harbour in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The officers discovered more than two dozen fish and shellfish aboard, including 19 Dungeness crab, nine of which were undersized. Shi later admitted to possessing an undeclared lingcod. In addition, four of the crab traps aboard were registered to individuals who were not onboard.
“Illegal harvesting and non-compliance with conservation measures pose serious risks to Canada’s marine resources. In the recreational crab fishery, retaining undersized male crab or female crab is illegal and threatens species sustainability. These actions also jeopardize the significant economic and cultural value of the crab fishery, which supports coastal communities, recreational fishing, tourism, commercial harvesters, and serves as a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples,” DFO said in a release.
On 17 February, Shi was found guilty of possessing illegally caught fish in Richmond Provincial Court and fined CAD 5,000.
“DFO remains committed to protecting marine resources and enforcing the Fisheries Act. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious fishing activity or potential violations,” DFO said in a release.
