Antigonish (N.S.) – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced today the latest sentences imposed on fish harvesters for violating fisheries regulations.
On November 16, 2009, Gerald Kevin Thompson of Avondale, Nova Scotia, pleaded guilty in New Glasgow Provincial Court to being in possession of undersized rock crab, contrary to Section 22 (7) of the Fishery (General) Regulations. During a dockside inspection conducted by Pictou Fishery officers at the Lismore wharf in Merigomish on August 17, 2009, Mr. Thompson was found in possession of the undersized rock crab. Provincial Court Judge Theodore Tax imposed a $1,250 fine.
On November 17, 2009, Wayne Grealy of Three Brooks, Nova Scotia, pleaded guilty in Pictou Provincial Court to being in possession of undersized rock crab, contrary to Section 22 (7) of the Fishery (General) Regulations. During a dockside inspection conducted by Pictou Fishery officers at the Caribou wharf in Caribou on October 7, 2009, Mr. Grealy was found in possession of the undersized rock crab. Provincial Court Judge Theodore Tax imposed on Mr. Grealy a $2,500 fine. In addition, David Arthur Nelson (crewman) from Pictou, pleaded guilty for not being registered, contrary to Section 14 (1)(a) of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985. He received a $1,000 fine.
On November 25, 2009, Douglas MacDonald of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, was found guilty in New Glasgow Provincial Court to being in possession of undersized lobsters, contrary to Section 57 (2) of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985. During a dockside inspection conducted by Pictou Fishery officers at the Lismore wharf in Merigomish on May 7, 2009, Mr. MacDonald was found with 30 undersized lobsters in his possession. Provincial Court Judge Theodore Tax imposed a $1,000 fine on Mr. MacDonald, while his lobster catch valued at $836 was forfeited to the Crown. He was also prohibited from fishing during the first five days of the 2010 lobster fishing season.
DFO is committed to the conservation and protection of aquatic resources in all Canadian waters, including the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activities should do so by contacting their nearest DFO office, Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477, or the Canadian Coast Guard Regional Operations Centre at 1‑800‑565‑1633.
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For more information:
Peter Taylor
Chief, Conservation and Protection
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, N.S.
902-863-5670
Michel Thérien
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications Branch
Moncton, N.B.
506-851-7704
