March 14, 2007
HARBOUR GRACE, NL Three men from the Bay de Verde Peninsula have been convicted
of violating fisheries and marine mammal regulations during the 2006 Seal harvest.
In Harbour Grace Provincial Court, October 4, 2006, Patrick Layman of Ochre Pit
Cove was fined $4,000 for fishing seals during a closed time, illegally fishing
Blueback Hooded seals, possessing a prohibited rifle and ammunition, and moving
a live marine animal without a licence. He was placed on probation for three years
and ordered not to participate in the seal fishery for three years.
Patrick Fahey of Northern Bay was fined $1,600 for seal fishing during a closed
time, illegally fishing Blueback Hooded seals and using a prohibited rifle and ammunition.
He was ordered prohibited from participating in the seal fishery for one year.
On November 15, 2006, a third individual charged in the incident, Peter Fahey
of Ochre Pit Cove appeared in provincial court. He was fined $2,000 for seal fishing
during closed time, unlawfully fishing Blueback Hooded seals, using illegal ammunition
and moving a live marine mammal without a licence. He was ordered prohibited from
participating in the seal fishery for one year.
In addition, a quantity of seized firearms and ammunition was ordered forfeited
to the Crown.
Fishery officers of the Bay Roberts Detachment carried out an investigation in
response to information of illegal seal fishing activity during the 2006 Seal Fishery.
Illegal cod fishing leads to fines
Responding to a complaint of illegal cod fishing activity, fishery officers from
the Bay Roberts Detachment conducted a surveillance operation of vessels near Carbonear
Island, Conception Bay, on November 1, 2005.
An investigation of a vessel landing at a beach in the community of Freshwater
resulted in charges against three men for recreationally fishing for groundfish
and Atlantic cod during a closed time.
In Harbour Grace Provincial Court on December 15, 2006, Gilbert Kelloway Sr.
of Freshwater was fined $1,200 and prohibited from being within ten metres of coastal
and inland waters for three years. Mr. Kelloway's boat and contents, including fishing
gear and Atlantic cod were forfeited to the Crown.
Gilbert Kelloway Jr. of Freshwater and Randy Snow of Carbonear were both fined
$600.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Susan Keough
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
709-772-7628
Sam Whiffen
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
709 -772-7631
