LADYSMITH — Illegal bottom fishing and lying about their catch resulted in hefty fines following an expedition last year near Galiano Island.
In May, guilty pleas were entered to numerous fisheries violations in provincial court in Victoria in relation to an incident last spring, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Court was told a routine patrol by a fisheries patrol officer spotted a 22-foot long aluminum boat on May 23, 2022.
Lam Pean Kwok, Bui Choy, Suk Ching Friennie Lam and Jimmy Tuan-Nhi Luong all pleaded guilty and were fined following a sentencing hearing.
Kwok, the vessel master, was fined $2,000 for making false or misleading statements to a fishery officer.
The other three offenders were each fined $3,500 for over-possession of rockfish and an additional $1,000 for obstruction.
After being told no other fish were on board, a more detailed search uncovered other rockfish hidden on the vessel, including three Yelloweye rockfish, which are illegal to retain.
All fishing gear seized as evidence was forfeited.
Federal Fisheries Act violations can be called to the DFO Pacific Region’s toll-free violation reporting line at: 1-800-465-4336, or detailed can be emailed to: DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
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