June 24, 2011
MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans – Gulf Region, announced today the sentence imposed on Valdis Balodis of Hopewell, Nova Scotia for violating the Fisheries Act.
In July 2008, fishery officers from the Pictou Detachment carried out an inspection of erosion protection work done on property owned by Mr. Balodis on the West Branch of the East River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The inspection revealed that the land owner had violated his provincial permit and had in-filled a large portion of productive spawning area.
Mr. Balodis pleaded guilty on June 9, 2011, to the charge under Section 35 (1) of the Fisheries Act.
Provincial Court Judge Rick MacKinnon imposed a $12,500 fine on Mr. Balodis. In addition, a restoration order was issued for remediation work to be completed by September 30, 2011.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to the conservation and protection of aquatic resources in all Canadian waters, including the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Persons wishing to report habitat violations or suspicious fishing activities should do so by contacting their nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada 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:
Communications Contact:
Michèle Bernier
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications – Gulf Region
Moncton, New Brunswick
506-851-7704
Program Contact:
Peter Taylor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
A/Director, Conservation and Protection
Moncton, New Brunswick
506-851-7795
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
NR-G-11-03E
