DARTMOUTH, NS, May 17, 2024
/CNW/ - In the evening of May 15,
2024, fishery officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(DFO), as well as border services officers from the Canada Border
Services Agency (CBSA), seized approximately 109 kilograms of
unauthorized elvers at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The
elvers were destined to be shipped overseas.
The seized elvers are estimated to be worth between $400,000 and $500,000.
An investigation into this matter, for violations under the
Fisheries Act, is now underway.
This seizure is the result of a coordinated operation involving
officers from DFO's Conservation & Protection Directorate and
National Fisheries Intelligence Service, in cooperation with the
CBSA Commercial Operations District and intelligence teams.
On March 11, DFO announced that
the elver fishery would not open this year due to conservation and
safety concerns. Any individual caught fishing for elvers will face
enforcement actions under the Fisheries Act and the
Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations. Any acts of violence
or harassment towards fishery officers will not be tolerated and
will be reported to the appropriate police force.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected unauthorized
elver fishing, purchasing, or selling by calling 1-800-565-1633 and
selecting option 6, or by contacting their local Conservation and
Protection detachment.
Quotes
"The magnitude of this elver seizure is an important
development. It reflects all the work done by Fisheries and Oceans
Canada, but also the team effort of a wide range of agencies and
departments involved across government. Once again, our message is
crystal clear: do not travel to Nova
Scotia to illegally fish or export elvers this year,
enforcement officers will be waiting for you."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
- The National Fisheries Intelligence Service (NFIS) unit was
established in 2012 to help support intelligence-led
investigation.
- For the latest seizure statistics, visit Canada Border Services
Agency.
Related Products:
- 2024 elver enforcement outcomes to date
- Minister Lebouthillier's decision regarding the elver fishery
in 2024
Associated Links
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YouTube and LinkedIn.
- Follow the Canada Border Services Agency on X, Facebook,
Instagram and YouTube
SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada