NR-PR-02-054E August 26, 2002 FISHERMAN FINED FOR ILLEGALLY FISHING FOR SHELLFISH AND GROUNDFISH Kitimat, B.C. - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that a Kitimat resident has received a substantial fine for fishing for prawn and dogfish during a closed time. On April 30, 2002, fishery officers discovered commercial prawn gear set near Kemano, BC, one day prior to the opening of the commercial season. Along with the prawn gear, fishery officers seized several groundfish circle hooks that were attached to the same groundline. An investigation resulted in charges being laid against Vernon Cota aboard the vessel Carmelo Sound. Recently, Mr. Cota pleaded guilty in Kitimat provincial court and received a fine of $10,000 for fishing for prawn during a closed time and a $5,000 fine for fishing for dogfish during a closed time. In addition to the fine, the seized fishing gear, valued at $1,250, was forfeited. The fine monies will be used by Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the purposes of promoting the conservation and protection of fish and/or fish habitat. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is very concerned about illegal fishing activity and asks for assistance from the general public in reporting activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. Anyone with information can call the 24-hour, toll-free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336. - 30 - For more information: Brian Gyorfi Fishery Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region (250) 615-5359 Please visit our web site at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca