Nanaimo judge fines fishing guide for sloppy record-keeping

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Nobody had a required lingcod license, while the daily limit for rockfish is one per person, Rheaume noted.

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Nanaimo judge fines fishing guide for sloppy record-keeping

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“Officer Doward checked the first photo that he had taken of Mr. Ma’s license and confirmed that that lingcod had not been recorded earlier. This is the factual basis underlying count three,” Rheaume told court.

Ma, who served as the vessel’s fishing guide and deck hand, pleaded guilty to one count each of failing to maintain catch records, as well as producing a false record.

He was fined $8,000 as part of a jointly crafted sentencing recommendation.

“As the guide for the trip, Mr. Ma has a measure of control of the rock fish and therefore was in possession of them,” Rheaume told the hearing.

In addition, 20 fishing rods were forfeited and court was told Ma must pay the owner’s back for the confiscated rods, which are valued at about $8,000.

Court appearance notices were issued to Ma, as well as Ligang James Lu, the boat’s owner, who was also on the trip.

Lu opted to go on trial for the matter next spring at Nanaimo Law Courts.

Through a Cantonese interpreter, Ma apologized for his conduct.

“In the future I will make sure that I will follow all of the fishery regulations and requirements…This offence did arise from my actions, I’m fully responsible for it and I’m ready to take all of the consequences.”

Judge Chris Churchill accepted Ma’s apology, telling court he believes Ma now has a better understanding of the need to be more diligent.

“Regulations are designed to protect a resource that is enjoyed by all Canadians,” judge Churchill said.

Ma, described in court by his lawyer as a Port Moody resident of limited financial means, has a prior fisheries conviction for catching undersized Dungeness crab in 2018.

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