Environmental Law

Concerned Canadians Help Trap Lobster Poachers

By Walter James

Lobster enforcement takes place in Canada as well as the United States.  The Calgary Canada Globe and Mail reported on May 28, 2008 that the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans seized over 5,300 under sized lobster near the town of Wedgeport, Nova Scotia.  The Department was acting on a tip from concerned citizens who notified the Department of odd behavior from several boats in the local fishing fleet.  Acting on the tip, the Department launched surveillance involving planes and patrol vessels.

After several weeks of surveillance, the Department seized 13 wire cages containing the thousands of undersized lobster.  It is illegal to keep lobster that are under three and a quarter inches, excluding the tail.  Along with arrests, the Department also seized the boat and rental truck waiting to transport the crustaceans.

Department officials stated that this is the largest seizure which they had ever seen.  Department officials were not sure of the poachers? intended market, but it is suspected that there is an active black market.  Under Canadian law, the penalties for keeping illegal lobsters vary from lost license, fines, forfeiture of the catch and/or seizure of the vessel. 

More later.

As always, feel free to call me or e-mail me with any questions at walter.james@jamespllc.com.

WDJiii

Full post as published by Environmental Crimes Blog on June 27, 2008 (boomark / email).