http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/release/p-releas/2005/nr066_e.htmFISHERIES ACT VIOLATIONS LEAD TO $6,000 FINEPrince Rupert, B.C. – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that Kevin Jason Gurr pled guilty to one count under the federal Fisheries Act, and was fined a total of $6,000.
Mr. Gurr was convicted of selling fish not caught under the authority of a licence allowing sales. In July of 2004, fishery officers received multiple tips from the public that a number of vessels were selling sockeye salmon to the commercial fishery when that fish was caught under a communal (Food, Social and Ceremonial) licence. Fishery officers conducted an investigation that led to charges and the seizure of the vessel Mr. Gurr was operating.
In Prince Rupert provincial court, Mr. Gurr was ordered to pay a penalty totalling $6,000 of which $500 constituted a fine. The remaining $5,500 will be directed towards DFO for the purpose of conservation, protection or proper management of the fishery.
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 of any contravention of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free Observe, Record, Report violation reporting line at
1-800-465-4336.
For more information:
Jeanette Lam
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872