Mr. Scott Steer, a resident of British Columbia, has been sentenced to six years

In a landmark case, Mr. Scott Steer, a resident of British Columbia, has been sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay over $1 million in fines for his involvement in illegal fishing and the sale of sea cucumbers. This conviction is a testament to the commitment of fisheries authorities to enforcing the Fisheries Act and safeguarding our marine resources.

The extensive investigation, which spanned three countries, revealed a sophisticated scheme involving fraudulent record-keeping and covert financial transactions to facilitate the illegal seafood trade. Through collaboration with international partners, our fishery officers, intelligence analysts, and other experts worked tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this egregious violation.

This successful prosecution serves as a strong deterrent to those who would seek to exploit our oceans for personal gain. It also underscores the importance of cooperative efforts to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and prosecution of serious fisheries violations. By working together, we can protect our rich marine biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for our fisheries.

Read more about this significant case and our ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing practices: https://ow.ly/Hknz50WyybM