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Covert operation by fishery officers catches cod poachers
Judge hands down stiff sentences, including 60 days in jail
Clarenville – An undercover, plain clothes, operation by fishery officers from Clarenville and Bonavista has resulted in stiff sentences and significant fines for cod poaching.
Clarenville – An undercover, plain clothes, operation by fishery officers from Clarenville and Bonavista has resulted in stiff sentences and significant fines for cod poaching.
Clyde Tucker, of Elliston, was sentenced in Clarenville Provincial Court on May 29, 2006, to 60 days in jail and two years probation from commercial or recreational fishing.
Mr. Tucker and another individual were illegally fishing cod from an 18 ft. open boat when apprehended by fishery officers. The boat and motor used in the incident, valued at $600, along with 300 lbs of illegal cod, valued at $300, were forfeited to the Crown.
The second individual involved will appear in court at a later date.
In the second unrelated incident, three individuals from Bonavista were apprehended on the slipway in Elliston on similar charges. They were convicted during an earlier court appearance on February 14, 2006. In that case, one individual received a $2,000 fine with one year probation from being on coastal waters. All equipment used, along with 120 lbs fresh cod were forfeited to the Crown.
Conservation measures exist to protect and rebuild fish stocks so that sustainable fishing resources can be enjoyed by communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for generations to come. Fisheries and Oceans Canada reminds the public that disobeying fishing regulations is illegal and punishable by law.
For more information:
Sam Whiffen
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7631
Kim Penney
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7629
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