05-12-2004, 03:40 AM
KITIMAT RIVER ANGLER RECEIVES FINE
KITIMAT - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that two individuals have been convicted for the illegal sale of fish caught under a licence that did not authorize sales.
On July 18, 2001, fishery officers were conducting vessel inspections prior to a commercial salmon fishery near Prince Rupert, B.C. Acting on a tip from the public, the officers embarked on an investigation that resulted in charges being laid against Robert Leighton (the skipper of the vessel Shady Lane) and Garrett Hagen for sale of fish caught under a First Nation food, social and ceremonial licence. This type of fishing licence does not authorize the sale of fish.
Recently, in Prince Rupert provincial court, Mr. Leighton was found guilty and fined $14,710, of which $4,710 represented the proceeds from the unauthorized sale of fish on the day of the offence. Mr. Hagen was also found guilty and fined $3,000.
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 is a serious offence.
The Department 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 of legal fish. Fish that has not been inspected may not be safe to eat.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is extremely concerned with illegal activity and asks for 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 toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or the local Prince Rupert DFO office at (250) 627-3089.
-30-
Contact:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
[signature]
KITIMAT - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that two individuals have been convicted for the illegal sale of fish caught under a licence that did not authorize sales.
On July 18, 2001, fishery officers were conducting vessel inspections prior to a commercial salmon fishery near Prince Rupert, B.C. Acting on a tip from the public, the officers embarked on an investigation that resulted in charges being laid against Robert Leighton (the skipper of the vessel Shady Lane) and Garrett Hagen for sale of fish caught under a First Nation food, social and ceremonial licence. This type of fishing licence does not authorize the sale of fish.
Recently, in Prince Rupert provincial court, Mr. Leighton was found guilty and fined $14,710, of which $4,710 represented the proceeds from the unauthorized sale of fish on the day of the offence. Mr. Hagen was also found guilty and fined $3,000.
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 is a serious offence.
The Department 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 of legal fish. Fish that has not been inspected may not be safe to eat.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is extremely concerned with illegal activity and asks for 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 toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or the local Prince Rupert DFO office at (250) 627-3089.
-30-
Contact:
Michelle Imbeau
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872
[signature]