Wood's fishing boat was entered as evidence during the trial. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fishy tale

Man fined for illegal angling, including dumping fish overboard near Nanaimo

May 17, 2023 | 1:38 PM

NaNANAIMO — A recreational fisherman was fined and stripped of his right to fish for a year after being caught dumping his catch overboard in a conservation area.

Colin Richard Wood pleaded guilty to several Fisheries Acts violations, stemming from an incident off Nanaimo’s coast on Aug. 31, 2022.

During a routine patrol, officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) out of Nanaimo saw Wood’s boat seemingly fishing inside the Northumberland Channel Rockfish Conservation Area, located southeast of Snake Island along the west coast of Gabriola Island.

Crown prosecutor Ian McFadgen said as officers approached, they saw Wood throwing what appeared to be chinook salmon into the water, but they sunk before they were able to confirm the species.

They boarded the vessel and spoke with Wood, who was alone on the boat at the time.

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“First he denied throwing the fish overboard, which of course was a lie, and he denied fishing altogether, which also is the basis of the false statement. He did provide a fishing license and driver’s license,” said McFadgen. “The fishing license, if one has chinook salmon, those salmon have to be recorded on the license.”

He said although Wood did have a special tag for chinook salmon, no catches were recorded on his license at the time.

Once on board, they also noticed evidence of freshly killed fish on his boat.

During a sentencing hearing last month, Wood pleaded guilty to obstructing a fishery officer by throwing fish overboard, making false or misleading statements, and over-possessing chinook salmon.

He must pay a combined $6,000 in fines, his fishing gear was forfeited as evidence, and he’s prohibited from fishing for one year.

DFO asks anyone with information on any illegal fishing activities to call them toll-free at 1-800-465-4336, or email them at: DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

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