REPEAT OFFENDER CONVICTED FOR POSSESSION OF LARGE QUANTITY OF ILLEGALLY HARVESTED CLAMS

News Release

November 29, 2004 VANCOUVER -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a Vancouver resident has been convicted for illegally possessing clams, a contravention of the Fisheries Act. Following an investigation by fishery officers, Wei Neng Zheng was recently convicted in Vancouver Provincial Court and fined $1,000, given a four month conditional jail sentence, and prohibited from having any dealings with shellfish for a period of five years. Mr. Zheng was previously convicted for a similar offence occurring in May 2002. The October 9, 2003 charges stemmed from information received from the general public on a large scale illegal harvest and sale of clams. Based on the information provided, fishery officers were able to observe a vehicle matching the description as it prepared to depart Vancouver Island on a ferry from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. Fishery officers detained the vehicle operated by Mr. Zheng and conducted an inspection, which revealed nine sacks containing 713 pounds of clams (approximately 15,000 clams). A further inspection of the clams indicated that there was no evidence that they had been lawfully harvested from a legitimate source. Mr. Zheng was arrested and subsequently released on a Promise to Appear, while the vehicle and its contents were seized. The clams were released live back to the water. Portions of the B.C. coast are closed to harvesting due to sewage contamination or Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP or "red tide"). Harvesting bivalve shellfish from closed areas is not only a violation of the Fisheries Act but is also a serious health risk. Shellfish contaminated with shellfish toxin can cause serious illness, and cooking does not destroy the PSP toxin. Crab and shrimp are not affected by these kinds of toxins. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is extremely concerned with unauthorized 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. - 30 - For further information: Michelle Imbeau Communications Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region (604) 666-2872

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2016-12-15

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REPEAT OFFENDER CONVICTED FOR POSSESSION OF LARGE QUANTITY OF ILLEGALLY HARVESTED CLAMS

News Release

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