Prince Rupert, B.C. – A Prince Rupert resident has been convicted for failing to comply with the conditions of his commercial crab licence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today. On September 27, 2000, fishery officers noticed one float on a string of 19 crab traps. Subsequent investigation revealed Hoang Minh Doung’s commercial crab gear had escape holes measuring less than the required 110 millimetres in diameter. Mr. Doung also left his crab gear in the water for more than 14 consecutive days. Escape holes are circular openings in crab traps that allow free exit to undersized male crabs and most female crabs; they minimize harmful effects of fishing on the crab population. Leaving crab gear in the water for more than 14 consecutive days creates an environment for cannibalism. When bait is present, larger crabs are less likely to eat other crabs. However, after the bait is consumed, usually by day 14, larger crabs that cannot escape from the trap begin feeding on smaller, undersized crabs that have entered the trap. Mr. Doung was convicted in Prince Rupert provincial court on February 16, 2001. A $300 fine was imposed for each count, totalling $600. The Pacific Region crab fishery is ranked between the fifth and seventh most valuable commercial fishery. Fisheries and Oceans Canada would like to remind people that undersized crab mortalities threaten the livelihood of the commercial sector, the traditional food sources for First Nations, and sport fishers alike. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is concerned about illegal 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 1-800-465-4336. -30-
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