Investigations into Boundary Bay’s commercial crab fleet result in significant fines, confiscations and one fishing ban

Surrey, BC, September 18, 2023 /CNW/ – Recent investigations conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fisheries officers in Border Bay The commercial crab fleet has led to several convictions in Surrey District Court. Four ship captains received fines and confiscations totaling more than that $287,000. One captain also received a fishing ban for the first time ever.

on August 4, 2023, Han Van LamShipmaster John LamHe pleaded guilty to illegal fishing United State (USA) Water off Border Bay During the 2019 and 2020 commercial seasons. under Fisheries LawIt is illegal for any person on board a vessel subject to Canadian jurisdiction to fish outside Canadian fishing waters. Mr Lam, who had committed previous offences, was fined $50,00096 traps that were seized were confiscated as evidence, and fishing was prohibited for the first 14 days of the opening of the annual commercial season in 2024 and 2025. This is the first time the courts have imposed this ban.

in the same day, August 4, 2023, Michael Howesir moi h, He pleaded guilty to failing to inspect his traps during the 2018, 2019 and 2020 crab fishing seasons, in accordance with the terms of his licence. He was fined $20,000 And other confiscations $19,030.68 Of the value of his catch.

on June 27, 2023Hoan Trung Do, Mr Bounty HunterHe pleaded guilty to fishing in US waters and setting more traps than allowed under the terms of his license in 2018, 2019 and 2020. He was fined $160,000.

on June 23, 2023, Vietnam Damsir Pacific hawkHe pleaded guilty to illegal fishing in US waters and catching more traps than allowed under the terms of his license in 2019. Mr Dam was fined $38,000 83 traps were confiscated.

DFO has a mandate to protect, conserve marine resources and enforce the law Fisheries Law. As part of DFO’s work to disrupt and prevent illegal activity, the Department requests information from the public about activities of this nature or any contravention of Fisheries Law And regulations. Anyone with information can call DFO Pacific’s toll-free abuse reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

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quick Facts

• DFO has the authority to limit Crab Area J licenses with conditions including: location of the catch; Open and closed fishing times; Quantity and marking of fishing gear; Use electronic monitoring (EM) systems and provide records. License conditions are established for proper care, control and management of the fishery.

• After lengthy consultations with industry and stakeholders, the companies that own ships in… Canada Agreed to the mandatory installation of video cameras as part of electronic monitoring. This initiative was piloted in 2022 and went into full effect for the 2023 season. Anecdotally, it has already led to a significant decline in fishing in American waters.

• Commercial crab fisheries account for approximately one-third (about 31%) of the wholesale value of the catch British Columbia Wild oyster products.

• Fishermen who choose to ignore the rules give themselves an unfair advantage, undermine effective fishery management, and threaten resource sustainability.

• Illegal overfishing can also lead to management changes or closures, reducing the significant economic benefits from fisheries to coastal communities, recreational fisheries, commercial harvest and tourism, and threatening the traditional food source of indigenous peoples.

• Illegally caught crab can be washed into the legitimate retail market. Caught fish may not be bought or sold except under a license permitting the sale or purchase of fish Canada. Any fish sold must be processed by a licensed factory to ensure quality and public safety. Uninspected fish may be unsafe for consumption and pose significant health risks.

Links: General Regulations Article 65 of Canada Fisheries Law Covers illegal fishing in waters other than Canadian fishing waters – https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F-14/

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Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region

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