Five people, three companies convicted of 18 violations in N.S. halibut fishery
A major investigation into the halibut fishery in the Sambro area of Nova Scotia has led to multiple fines and licence suspensions.
Five people and three companies were convicted of 18 violations of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. The Department of Oceans and Fisheries (DFO) conducted the investigation, according to a Tuesday news release.
DFO originally laid 66 charges against eight individuals and five companies in 2021.
“Harvesters who break the law give themselves an unfair advantage, undermine the effective management of the fishery, and threaten the sustainability of our shared fishery resources,” says DFO in the release.
The charges include:
- failing to have catch verified by a dockside observer
- providing inaccurate catch information in order to land more halibut than was allowed in conditions of licence
The last sentence was handed out on Tuesday.
The individuals and companies were collectively fined more than $260,000, DFO says.
An individual’s licence was suspended for 60 days, during which they cannot fish or renew their licence.
A different individual’s licence was suspended for 60 days, during which:
- they are prohibited from boarding a commercial fishing vessel in Canadian or American waters
- they cannot acquire or possess any interest in a fishing vessel or licence
- they cannot possess commercial fishing gear of any kind
The release says suspensions aim to prevent people and companies from generating income by fishing, and timeframes usually correspond with the most lucrative time to fish.
“Atlantic Halibut has become the most valuable species for groundfish licence holders in Nova Scotia over the past several years and accounted for 59 per cent of the value of the groundfish fishery in DFO's Maritimes Region in 2022,” says DFO in the release.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
What to pack during an emergency
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Regulated area for invasive box tree moth expanded to parts of the Maritimes
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has added much of the Maritimes to a regulated area for an invasive species.
Already expensive, planning for fertility treatment difficult as costs vary widely
Being unable to have a child naturally can be extremely difficult. But when you factor in the high costs of fertility treatments, the range of individual circumstances and the fact that the industry itself is secretive about fees, it can make the whole ordeal even more devastating and hard to plan for.
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.