3 Men Received 1-Year Ban and Fines for Illegal Fishing in British Columbia
Three men have been banned from fishing for a year, a government agency says, after being found guilty of illegal fishing along the BC coast.
This week, Fisheries and oceans of Canada announced the court decision of overfishing of rockfish and long cod against Da Teng Zhou, Zhao Liang Chen and Ngai Pan Chau.
All three faced charges under the Fisheries Act of buying, selling or possessing illegally caught fish, obstructing a peace officer and making false statements.
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According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the charges originated in August 2021, following a public notice near the Powell River, and Judge Lisa Mrozinski delivered her sentence on November 16.
All three were found guilty, banned from fishing for a year, ordered to pay a total of $17,500 in combined fines, and surrender about $1,000 worth of fishing rods, reels, and lures.
The court decision was not available online, but the case had several court appearances before last month’s decision.
“An investigation was launched on the morning of August 10, 2021, when a concerned member of the public called the Watch, Record, Report line about a group of recreational fishermen who appeared to be holding fish in excess of their daily limit, north from Lund near Divers Rock Regional District Park,” Fisheries and Oceans Canada said in its statement.
“Powell River Conservation and Protection Detachment Fisheries Officers responded to the call and approached fishermen on the beach to conduct an inspection.”
The federal agency says the fishermen got separated and ran in different directions while trying to dispose of their catch before being apprehended.
“Following an investigation, fisheries officials seized a total of nine rockfish and one undersized cod as evidence and charges were subsequently filed under the Fisheries Act, including for obstruction,” Fisheries and Oceans said. Canada.
“Failure by fisheries officers to carry out their duties, obstructing their investigations, and attempting to conceal evidence, can often result in criminal charges and significant fines for individuals and businesses.”
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says the limit for a licensed angler is one rockfish and one long cod per day. Lingcod also has a minimum size limit of 65 cm.
“There are more than 34 species of rockfish in BC waters,” Fisheries and Oceans Canada said. “They are a very long-lived sedentary species, with an average life expectancy of 75 years.
“Long-lived and slow to grow and reproduce, rockfish remain close to home habitats, making them more sensitive to fishing pressure and some rockfish species are of conservation concern.” .
More information about rockfish Y Sundaylike conservation areas, is available on the Canadian Government website.
The Fishnbc.com website also has information on rockfish Y Sunday.
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