Degnan Bay is a popular and well-used harbour, which has been closed to shellfish harvesting for over three decades. (Image Credit: Google)

By Ian Holmes

guilty pleas

Couple busted for commercial clam harvesting in contaminated Gabriola Island bay

Aug 17, 2026 | 5:34 AM

NANAIMO — A tip to Fisheries and Oceans Canada may have prevented widespread illnesses.

Travis Wade Seward and Joanna Samantha Harris each pleaded guilty to a pair of fisheries offences related to illegally collecting a large haul of clams from Gabriola Island’s Degnen Bay on Feb. 3, 2024.

Closed since 1993 due to risks associated with an active harbour and popular moorage/anchorage destination, fecal contamination was flagged as particular concern during a recent sentencing hearing.

Marilou Bourdeleau, federal Crown prosecutor, outlined that the pair had been identified by a concerned civilian, stating Seward and Harris were observed by fishery officers harvesting in the dark on the beach with hand tools.

When confronted, Seward and Harris admitted they were harvesting clams commercially, with 150 pounds of clams observed in bags and buckets.

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Bourdeleau spoke in provincial court in Nanaimo to the health risks, stating consuming contaminated shellfish can be fatal.

In addition to health risks, Bourdeleau noted tainted shellfish can cause widespread coastal closures if its source can’t be identified.

Signage at Degnen Bay also clearly displays the area is off-limits for shellfish harvesting.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s website outlines all applicable fishery closures, while Bourdeleau noted the agency can also answer closure inquires by phone.

Degnan Bay was described by Bourdeleau as “an extensive anchorage”, which can see in the range of 150 boats moored and anchored, causing elevated fecal contamination risks.

Provincial court judge Chris Churchill accepted a jointly submitted sentencing recommendation for Seward and Harris.

They were each fined $750 and placed on probation for one-year.

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by Ian Holmes

Couple busted for commercial clam harvesting in contaminated Gabriola Island bay

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