GRAND BANK, NL – The provincial court in Grand Bank recently convicted individuals of fishing gear violations following investigations by DFO fishery officers from the Marystown detachment.
On November 26, 2008, Merlin Piercey of Fortune was fined $1,000 for failing to remove fishing gear prior to the close of the season and for leaving fishing gear unattended in the water for more than 72 hours. Mr. Piercey had left 500 whelk pots in the water after the closure of the 2006 whelk season.
On November 12, 2008, Derrick Day of Garnish was convicted with unlawfully leaving fishing gear unattended in the water for more than 48 hours. Mr. Day received a $1,000 fine and the court seized his catch. Mr. Day had left his gillnets in the water for approximately 10 days in July 2008 without tending them.
The use of fishing gear is governed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada under the Fisheries Act and other federal fisheries regulations.
DFO is committed to the conservation and protection of marine resources in Newfoundland and Labrador. Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activities may do so by contacting their nearest DFO office or calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sam Whiffen,
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7631
