B.C. fisherman fined $25K after discarding more than 4,000 kg of caught rockfish
A commercial fisherman who discarded more than 4,000 kilograms (9,000 pounds) of rockfish has been fined more than $25,000 for his actions, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced Thursday.
Roger Atchison pleaded guilty to multiple violations of the federal Fisheries Act in provincial court in Prince Rupert earlier this month, the DFO said in a news release.
Atchison, the onboard captain and co-owner of the commercial fishing vessel Savage Eagle, discarded an estimated 4,305 kg (9,492 pounds) of rockfish between Oct. 18 and Oct. 23, 2023, according to the DFO.
'Since rockfish have a 100 per cent mortality rate, 100 per cent retention is required,' the department said in its release.
'A vessel will be charged full quota for any rockfish retained or discarded. A vessel that exceeds its quota for a species may be restricted from fishing.'
Atchison did not report the fish that he caught and released, the DFO said.
Online court records indicate Atchison was initially charged with 10 counts of failing to comply with the terms and conditions of his lease or licence. He pleaded guilty to two of the charges, and the rest were stayed.
Atchison was fined $25,312 for his violations, according to the DFO.
'On the Pacific Coast, the rockfish fishery is managed carefully to ensure the long-term sustainability of 37 species caught in British Columbia's marine waters,' the department said.
'Rockfish are extremely susceptible to over-fishing due to their slow growth rates, low reproductive cycle and high-mortality when brought to the surface.'
The DFO encouraged anyone with information about illegal fishing activity in B.C. to contact its violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
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