NR-PR-02-037E June 11, 2002 TRAPS SEIZED AND CHARGES LAID AGAINST COMMERCIAL PRAWN FISHERMAN Prince Rupert, B.C. — Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a Prince Rupert resident has been charged for failing to comply with the conditions of a commercial prawn licence. On May 28, 2002, fishery officers in the Prince Rupert area set up a surveillance operation in response to reports that commercial prawn fishing vessels were bringing the traps to the surface more than once in a 12 hour period. Fishery officers observed the commercial prawn vessel Dawn Chase hauling gear in the morning and again in the afternoon on the same day. Charges were subsequently laid against the skipper of the Dawn Chase, Tan Nguyen, for failing to comply with the conditions of his licence. Fishery officers seized 153 commercial prawn traps and released the prawns and shrimp. Mr. Nguyen will appear in provincial court in Prince Rupert later this year. As a condition under a commercial prawn licence, vessels are only permitted to haul/fish their gear once in a 12-hour period (7 am to 7 pm). The intent of this management measure is to reduce handling and mortality of undersized prawns, by allowing smaller prawns enough time to enter and then leave the trap while the gear is on the ocean bottom. Multiple hauling is the practice of hauling gear to the surface more than once per day to recover the catch, an illegal practise that increases the mortality of undersized prawns. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is extremely concerned with unauthorized activity and asks for assistance from the general public 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. For information: Blair Thexton Conservation and Protection, Detachment Supervisor Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region (250) 627-3088 Please visit our web site at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca