TRACADIE-SHEILA (N.B.) - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) today released the sentence imposed to Mr. Vincent Thibodeau of Escuminac, New Brunswick, for violating Section 22 (7) of the Fishery (General) Regulations.
M. Thibodeau pleaded guilty at the Miramichi Provincial Court on March 13, 2008, for possession of five illegal size lobsters. The regulations state that all female lobsters ranging from 115 mm to 129 mm in length must immediately be returned to the water. Provincial Court Judge Ferguson imposed a total fine of $3,441 on Mr. Thibodeau for his illegal fishing activity and also confiscated that day's catch.
This illegal lobster file was conducted by Fishery Officers of the Baie Ste-Anne Detachment.
DFO is committed to the conservation and protection of marine resources in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activities may do so by contacting their nearest DFO office, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
-30-
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Luc C. Légère
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, N.B.
506-851-7171