Convictions Under the Species at Risk Act Result in Significant Fines

August 4, 2010

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NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – Fisheries and Oceans Canada investigations resulted in a conviction for violations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

On April 23, 2010, in provincial court at Stephenville, Morgan Wheeler of Ship Cove was convicted for possession of two spotted wolffish and for possession of fish where the size and species could not be determined. Mr. Wheeler was fined $5,000, prohibited from participating in the 2010 commercial cod fishery for one week, and two spotted wolffish fillets and 116 unidentified fillets were forfeited.

On July 10, 2009, while on vehicle patrol, fishery officers from the Stephenville detachment conducted an investigation of a vessel that had landed on a beach in Ship Cove. Upon investigation, the fishery officer discovered the violation.

The Species at Risk Act aims to protect wildlife species from extinction and to secure the necessary actions for their recovery. It provides for the legal protection of wildlife species and the conservation of their biological diversity.

Spotted wolffish are listed as threatened under SARA and cannot be harmed or fished.

For more information on the Species at Risk Act or on wolffish, please visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/index-eng.htm.

DFO is committed to the conservation and protection of marine resources in Newfoundland and Labrador. Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activities may do so by contacting their nearest DFO office or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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For more information:

Lisa Lawlor
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7628