Convictions and Fines in Two White Sturgeon Cases

News Release

February 12, 2008
Vancouver, B.C. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that
two recreational fishers have been convicted and fined for fishing for white sturgeon
with a barbed hook. In two separate incidents, Mr. Andrei Vorozhbit of Surrey
and Mr. Mihail Siklodi of Port Coquitlam were each fined $250 in Port Coquitlam
provincial court after pleading guilty to failing to comply with the conditions
of their tidal water sport fishing licences. The Court also ordered the forfeiture
of their fishing gear, worth approximately $350 in each case, and prohibited them
from fishing anywhere in British Columbia for one year.
On September 29, 2007, fishery officers observed Mr. Vorozhbit fishing with sturgeon
fishing gear in the tidal portion of the Fraser River near Pitt Meadows. Upon further
inspection, it was found that he was fishing with a barbed hook. On the same day,
Mr. Siklodi was also observed fishing in the tidal portion of the Fraser River near
Pitt Meadows, and found to be fishing with sturgeon fishing gear equipped with a
barbed hook.
The lower Fraser River population of white sturgeon has been identified as an
endangered species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada,
and DFO has implemented fishing restrictions to protect them. The use of barbed
hooks is prohibited because it can lead to the mortality of sturgeon and the decline
of the stock. Barbless hooks minimize the injury sustained by the fish through capture
and ease in the release of the sturgeon. Fishing for sturgeon in the lower Fraser
River is limited to a catch and release fishery. The white sturgeon is the largest,
longest-lived freshwater fish species in North America. It can reach a maximum length
of over six metres and live for over 100 years.
DFO acts to end illegal fishing activity. As part of this work, the Department
is asking 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.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Kirsten Ruecker
Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Pacific Region
(604) 666-2872

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Convictions and Fines in Two White Sturgeon Cases

News Release

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