Seven arrested, 3,854 lbs of fish seized near fish ladder in Cape Breton

Fisheries officers arrested seven people and seized over 3,800 lbs of gaspereau fish in Grand River, Richmond County, on June 1.

Seven arrested after illegal fishing operation uncovered near fish ladder in Cape Breton

Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced Tuesday that seven people were arrested earlier this month following an enforcement operation in Grand River, Richmond County, Cape Breton, saltwire.com reports.

Officers made the arrests on June 1, seizing 3,854 pounds of gaspereau fish, an all-terrain vehicle and a quantity of fishing and storage equipment.

A drone was deployed during the operation to establish that the individuals were fishing within 23 metres downstream of a fish ladder entrance — a prohibited zone under federal fisheries regulations. Officers also determined the group was holding more than Nova Scotia's daily recreational bag and possession limit for gaspereau, set at 20 fish per person.

To reach the fishing site, the individuals had cut through a large fence posted with signage explicitly stating that fishing within 23 metres downstream of fishways, obstructions or leaps is unauthorized.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada noted that fishing in or near a fish ladder disrupts the migration of fish through their natural habitats, undermining efforts to maintain healthy stocks and sustainable fisheries. The names of the seven individuals had not been released at the time of publication.

The department is urging residents to report suspected unauthorized fishing activity to their local conservation and protection detachment.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)