Operation uncovers two tonnes of unreported cod

PLUM POINT, N.L. – An extensive forensic investigation by fishery officers from the St. Anthony detachment of Fisheries and Oceans Canada found almost two tonnes of cod that was not reported during landings for the 4R fixed gear cod fishery in 2006.

The officers noted violations after reviewing fish harvester logs, dockside monitoring reports, and upon completing an inspection of a fish plant. Investigators say the fish plant inspection revealed a number of extra purchase slips that were not reported to DFO by fish harvesters, and when added to their weekly totals resulted in fish harvesters exceeding their weekly catch limit.

Also, landings were discovered for two fish harvesters who did not have their cod monitored.

The commercial cod fishery in 4R is based on a competitive quota and catch landings must be reported to DFO daily.

Conservation measures exist to protect and rebuild fish stocks so that these sustainable fishing resources can be enjoyed by communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for generations to come.

Subsequent to this investigation, charges were laid against nine harvesters. Since then, provincial court Judge C. Allen-Westby convicted and sentenced the fish harvesters below as follows:

•Harrison Coates of Eddies Cove East was fined $375, including a claw back of his extra cod equal to $175, for exceeding weekly cod quota and $175 for improper completion of a fishing log book.

•Dean Coates of Eddies Cove East was fined $300, including a claw back of his extra cod equal to $175, for exceeding weekly cod quota.

•Herbert Diamond of Green Island Brook was fined $275, including a claw back of his extra cod equal to $100, for exceeding weekly cod quota.

•Isasac Diamond of Green Island Brook was fined $275, including a claw back of his extra cod equal to $100, for exceeding weekly cod quota.

•Thomas White of Sandy Cove was fined $275, including a claw back of his extra cod equal to $100, for exceeding weekly cod quota.

•Emmanuel Trent White of Sandy Cove was fined $275, including a claw back of his extra cod equal to $100, for exceeding weekly cod quota.

•Eldred McLean of Sally’s Cove was fined $450, including a claw back of his extra cod equal to $250, for exceeding weekly cod quota.

•Derrick Applin of Eddies Cove East and Frederick Hughes of Green Island Brook were each fined $200 for failure to have cod monitored.