Prince Rupert, British Columbia - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada's wildlife, biodiversity and fisheries resources for generations to come. Fishery officers with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) work hard to conserve and protect the environment by enforcing the rules and regulations set out in Canada's Fisheries Act. Failure to comply with the rules may lead to charges and fines for individuals and companies.
On June 19, 2023, the Honourable Judge D. Patterson sentenced Curtis Ireland to pay a fine of $10,000 for violating the Marine Mammal Regulations. Mr. Ireland, the owner of West Coast Renegade Fishing Charters, had previously pleaded guilty in fall 2022 to disturbing seals by feeding them on July 8, and August 12, 2020 at the Cow Bay Marina in Prince Rupert, B.C.
DFO fishery officers from the Prince Rupert detachment launched an investigation after receiving notification from the Prince Rupert Port Authority about fish charter operators feeding seals. Officers determined that Mr. Ireland was cleaning fish dockside after a fishing charter trip, and was entertaining his clients by feeding the seals. Officers also noted that this activity was done in close proximity to several children at the marina.
In his findings, Justice Patterson noted that Mr. Ireland, as the owner/operator of a charter boat company, had a duty to know and follow the law, and his actions over multiple dates showed a pattern of disdain for the law and an indifference to the consequences for the seals.
