$100,000 Fine Proposed for Illegal Fishing

As part of a continuing clamp down on illegal fishing in Nova Scotia, a $100,000 fine for a first offence is being proposed in legislative changes announced at the legislature today, May 26.

The ten-fold increase to the current penalty is further evidence that the province continues to be serious about curbing illegal fishing in the province, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell said in introducing the amendment.

"I have said this before, and I am saying it again ," Mr. Colwell said. "Illegal fishing will not be tolerated in Nova Scotia --period."

Increasing the penalties is another step in the plan to eliminate the illegal fishing, buying and selling of lobster and other species, he said.

Under the amendment, the penalty for a first offence would rise to a maximum of $100,000, up from $10,000. The fine for subsequent offences would also be increased, to a maximum of $250,000, up from $25,000.

Further amendments to the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act allow for all those involved in fishing to be covered, including sellers and buyers. As well, the time for a prosecution will be extended for two years.

This measure is part of a campaign that has already included:

• new requirement for licensed lobster buyers to keep specific information on the lobsters they purchase or hold
• creation of first joint provincial-federal task force on eliminating the problem
• 104 federal fishery officers being appointed as provincial inspectors to bolster efforts
• the creation of a toll-free CrimeStoppers hot line to report illegal activity
• ads in some community newspapers encouraging people with information on illegal buying and selling of fish to come forward
• letter by the minister to all fish buyers stating that "unscrupulous behaviour" will not be tolerated

Meetings of the joint task force are continuing and further measures will be announced.