December 10, 2008
GANDER, NL – The Provincial Court of Gander recently convicted and sentenced a number of individuals for violating federal fisheries regulations.
Five individuals appeared before the court on November 25, 2008:
Ralph Brown and Brenda Brown of Joe Batt's Arm, Fogo Island, were convicted of exceeding the daily catch limit during the Recreational Groundfish Fishery. Each was fined $300 and forfeited 25 codfish. Charges were laid after DFO fishery officers inspected their vessel near Joe Batt's Arm, Fogo Island.
Barry Sheppard of Stag Harbour, Fogo Island, was convicted of fishing without arranging observer coverage and fishing in a vessel without a vessel registration. Mr. Sheppard was fined $800. Roy Dwyer of Tilting, Fogo Island, was also fined $100 for failing to arrange observer coverage. DFO fishery officers laid charges following a vessel patrol and license inspection near Barrack Island.
Sheldon Brown of Durrell was convicted of failing to arrange observer coverage during his participation in the 2007 groundfish and crab fisheries, and failing to provide fishing logs. Mr. Brown was fined a total fine of $2,000. An investigation conducted by fishery officers from the DFO detachment in Twillingate determined that Mr. Brown had failed to pay observer fees and submit logs for the 2007 fishing season.
On November 18, 2008, Glen Aubrey Brinson of Musgrave Harbour was fined $300 for fishing groundfish without arranging observer coverage. This charge resulted from a DFO vessel patrol and license inspection in the area of Musgrave Harbour.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, DFO provides observer coverage of our fisheries as a means to collect unbiased data that can be used for science, resource management, and compliance and deterrence purposes. Observers provide information and an at-sea presence on a real-time basis through observing, recording and reporting.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sam Whiffen
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7631
