Dwight Alexander Lorenz was recently sentenced after pleading guilty to four federal fisheries violations for infractions in French Creek. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

illegal fishing

French Creek fishing bust leads to hefty fine and ban

Nov 15, 2023 | 5:27 AM

PARKSVILLE — Illegal fishing and evading a fisheries officer were costly moves by an angler intercepted at French Creek Marina this past summer.

Dwight Alexander Lorenz, 74, pleaded guilty to four federal fisheries violations on Tuesday, Nov. 7 in provincial court in Nanaimo, fined $6,500 and issued a two year fishing ban.

A Fisheries and Oceans Canada statement to NanaimoNewsNOW outlined how Lorenz unexpectedly left the marina during a routine dockside compliance check on July 28.

After being told by a uniformed conservation and compliance officer to return to the dock for inspection, a hidden tote containing three Chinook Salmon was uncovered on the offender’s boat. The legal limit at the time was one.

“In his responses to the questions from the C&P fishery officer, Mr. Lorenz was non-compliant. All gear and fish were seized,” the statement noted.

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Described by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a recreational angler, Lorenz was formally subject to the partial forfeiture of his fishing gear after pleading guilty.

Numerous notable Federal Fisheries Act violations have been resolved in court in Nanaimo this year, including several fishermen caught for illegally catching salmon.

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

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes