New Glasgow (N.S.), March 26, 2009 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) today announced the sentences imposed on two fish harvesters for violating their conditions of licence in the salmon fishery.
Mr. Derek Micheal Francis and Mr. Ryan Martin Bernard of the Pictou Landing First Nation, pleaded guilty in New Glasgow Provincial Court on March 9, 2009, to fishing untagged salmon nets, which is contrary to Section 7 of the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations.
Provincial Court Judge Theodore K. Tax imposed a $1,200 fine on each individual and ordered the forfeiture of the salmon nets to the Crown. The charges were also supported by the Pictou Landing First Nation.
Fishery officers from the Pictou detachment, involved in a stake-out operation in October 2008, had observed the untagged salmon nets being retrieved from the waters of Merigomish Harbour, Pictou County, Nova Scotia.
DFO is committed to the conservation and protection of aquatic resources in Canadian waters, including the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activity should contact the nearest DFO office or call 1-800-565-1633.
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Michel Thérien
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, N.B.
506-851-7704
NR-G-09-05
