Four people have been fined a combined $18,000 over illegal shellfish harvesting that happened nearly three years ago. Most of the fines were issued in May 2024, less than a year after the illegal fishing incident in Deep Bay — about halfway between Nanaimo and Courtenay on the east coast of Vancouver Island — in August 2023. The final sentence was handed down last month in Courtenay provincial court, according to a statement from Fisheries and Oceans Canada issued Friday. In that case, Xiohua (Jessica) Liu was convicted of making a false or misleading statement and unlawful possession of oysters, and received a fine of $4,500. The three people sentenced in 2024 were Ya Chung Lao, Yilai Zhu and Chun Shui Tu, who all entered guilty pleas. Lao was fined $7,000 and banned from fishing for a year for obstruction and unlawful possession. Zhu and Tu were fined $3,500 and $3,000, respectively. Each of them pleaded guilty to fishing without a licence and unlawful possession. “Illegal shellfish harvesting threatens the sustainability of fisheries resources and undermines conservation efforts,” Fisheries and Oceans Canada said in its statement. “DFO reminds all recreational and commercial shellfish harvesters to review current regulations before harvesting. Following licensing requirements, catch and possession limits, species restrictions, and area closures helps protect fish and shellfish populations and supports sustainable fisheries for future generations.” According to the DFO, “several of the accused” in the August 2023 incident failed to appear in court, resulting in warrants being issued for their arrests. The department also said that information provided through its “Observe, Record, Report” program contributed to the investigation. “This case highlights the important role the public plays in protecting fish and fish habitat,” the DFO said. Anyone who has information about suspected fisheries violations should contact DFO Pacific Region by calling 1‑800‑465‑4336, or emailing DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca, the agency said.
