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NR-MAR-01-14E
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July 24, 2001
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Illegal Harvest of Clams Results in House Arrest and Three Year Harvest Ban
Dartmouth N.S. -- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Maritimes Region,
today announced that Lawrence Wolfe of West Chezzetcook, N.S., has been sentenced to six months
house arrest for harvesting clams in a closed area. This significant sentence also bans
Mr. Wolfe from holding a licence to harvest clams and from being on clam flats for three years.
Mr. Wolfe is a repeat offender and has been convicted of several clam harvesting violations
dating back to 1991.
The harvesting of clams and other shellfish in closed areas is illegal and eating shellfish from
these areas can cause serious illness. As a result of public concern and the court's interest in
addressing the issue, fines for clam violations have increased since the mid-1980s, from an average
of approximately $200 in 1986 to $500 in 2000. In recent years, fines have been as high as
$6500 in 1997 and $3000 in 2000. The sentence of house arrest in the Wolfe case is a significant
one that the Department hopes will serve as a powerful deterrent to others.
DFO is concerned about all illegal fishing activity and asks for the general public's assistance
for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and
Regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation-reporting line at
1-800-565-1633.
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For information:
Wendy Williams
Communications
DFO, Maritimes Region
(902) 426-6409
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