Scott Steer and his wife Melissa Larocque (Steer) were found guilty on all charges in relation to numerous fishing violations related to the illegal harvesting and sale of sea cucumbers in 2019 and 2020. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

guilty on all counts

Nanaimo couple guilty of repeated illegal sea cucumber harvest and sale

Jan 8, 2025 | 1:59 PM

NANAIMO — A recent extended trial of a local fisherman and his wife charged with numerous fishing violations has reached a verdict: guilty on all counts.

Scott Stanley Matthew Steer, 47, and his wife Melissa Dawn Larocque (Steer) were in B.C. Supreme Court in Nanaimo on Wednesday, Jan 8., where they were convicted on eight different charges related to the illegal fishing and sale of sea cucumbers.

Justice David Crerar ruled the evidence was overwhelmingly clear that Steer was actively orchestrating every aspect of the illegal operation.

“Mr. Steel acquired vessels and a refrigerator truck, retrofitted the vessels for commercial fishing, bought fishing gear and supplies, incorporated the numbered company, obtained licenses, recruited crew, generated false DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) records, oversaw and erected multiple sea cucumber fishing expeditions in closed areas and without licenses and sold those sea cucumbers.”

The six-week trial detailed how Steer and Larocque repeatedly violated a 2016 court order banning Steer from fishing.

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Charges included fishing without a license, fishing out of season, and numerous violations of Steer’s prohibition from owning fishing gear in relation to multiple instances in 2019 and 2020.

In his decision posted online, justice Crerar said the 2016 order prohibits Steer from owning fishing gear, applying for a fishing license, or even being on board any fishing vessel until 2038.

Larocque was the sole director behind a registered numbered company, which justice Crerar said served as an “alter-ego of its operating and directing mind, Mr. Steer.”

“The copious and corroborated evidence overwhelming indicates that the accused numbered company was a sham, incorporated primarily to attempt to evade the 2016 Justice Thompson order and earlier prohibitions and otherwise to insulate Mr. Steer from the criminal and other consequences of his illegal fishing activities.”

According to court documents, between Sept and Dec 2019, the numbered company sold 87,373 pounds of sea cucumbers to a legitimate business that primarily ships them overseas, with over $1 million being transferred to the numbered company.

Documentation was forged to convey that the sea cucumbers had been legally harvested.

Larocque was charged along with Steer in one incident for fishing sea cucumbers without a licence, falsifying records, and in violation of the 2016 order, as it was evident Steer had knowledge of her activity said justice Crerar.

“The evidence also establishes that Melissa (Larocque) Steer was fully involved in this deceptive and evasive plan. It is appropriate to pierce the corporate veil in the present circumstances.”

The pair applied to have the March 2020 search warrant of their Nanaimo home thrown out by the court during an application in May, but it was denied.

Steer and Larocque, who are represented by legal counsel, will learn their sentences at a yet-to-be-determined date.

The case was successfully prosecuted by the Crown’s Ian McFadgen, while several uniformed and retired DFO officers were present in court during the judgment.

Anyone with information on any illegal fishing activities is asked 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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