Recreational harvesters fined $7,400 for prawn fishing in closed B.C. sponge reef

Recreational harvesters have been fined a total of $7,400 for illegal prawn fishing in a closed sponge reef area near Passage Island, British Columbia, the Government of Canada said in an announcement published Nov. 2.¹

The government said Canada's fishing regulations help protect marine habitats and biodiversity and support sustainable fishing opportunities for future generations, and that following regulations and licence conditions helps keep marine ecosystems healthy.¹

"Illegal fishing undermines these conservation efforts and threatens the long-term sustainability of Canada's marine resources," the government said.¹