News Release

LOBSTER FISHERY VIOLATIONS IN LOBSTER FISHING AREA (LFA) 25

Tracadie-Sheila, NB - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Gulf Region, today reported that Mr. Harvey Francis of the Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick, pleaded guilty in Provincial Court in Richibucto, on March 21, 2006, for fishery violations in the lobster fishery.

Provincial Court Judge Joseph Michaud imposed a $19,423 fine to Mr. Francis for possession of undersized lobsters, contrary to Section 7 of the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licence Regulations. Mr. Francis is also prohibited from fishing lobster during the first thirty-five days of the 2006 lobster fishing season in LFA 25.

Fishery Officers apprehended Mr. Francis on four separate occasions in 2005 for possession of undersized lobsters. In total, 200 undersized lobsters were caught by Mr. Francis -- 88 lobsters on August 11th; 45 lobsters on August 30th; 59 lobsters on September 3rd; and 8 lobsters on September 20th.

DFO is concerned about the conservation and protection of the lobster resource in LFA 25 and in the southern Gulf. The Department is encouraging the public to report all suspicious fishing activities to a local fishery officer or to Crime Stoppers.

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For information:

Internet: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html