A Prince Rupert resident who owns a charter boat has been fined $10,000 for violating marine mammal regulations.
Curtis Ireland, owner of West Coast Renegade Fishing Charters, has been fined for disturbing seals.
Ireland originally plead guilty in 2022 to the charges which stemmed from two incidents in 2020.
At that time, the DFO had received notification from the Port Authority about charter operators feeding seals, prompting an investigation.
It was then found that Ireland had been cleaning fish dockside and feeding seals to entertain his clients.
The presiding Judge stated that Ireland had a duty to know and follow the law, though his actions over the two incidents showed a pattern of disregard.
The DFO asks that anyone who has information on illegal activities in contravention of fisheries regulations call the reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or email DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Comments