A 24-month major case investigation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) into the halibut fishery in the Sambro area of Nova Scotia has been completed.
This major investigation resulted in four trials, with five individuals and three companies convicted of 18 violations of the Fisheries Act and Regulations – and fine totalling more than $260,000.
Charges included failing to have catch verified by a dockside observer and providing inaccurate catch information in order to land more halibut than was allowed in conditions of licence.
In addition to financial penalties, one individual received a 60 day licence suspension during which they could not fish or renew their licence. Another individual received a six month licence suspension, during which they were prohibited from boarding a commercial fishing vessel in Canadian or US waters, from possessing or acquiring any interest in a fishing vessel or licence and from possessing commercial fishing gear of any kind.
Licence suspensions are costly penalties that prevent harvesters from generating income by fishing, and suspension timeframes generally coincide with the most lucrative fishing seasons.
