Le Lézard
Classified in: Environment
Subjects: LAW, ENI, ANW, CFG

First conviction under the new Marine Mammal Regulations sees fine of $2,000 for approaching a whale at a distance of less than 100 metres


PRINCE RUPERT, BC, Dec. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - In August 2019, in Prince Rupert Provincial Court, the Honourable Judge George Leven found guide Scott Babcock guilty of a violation under the Marine Mammal Regulations. Justice Leven ordered Mr. Babcock to pay a fine of $2,000. Mr. Babcock also did 2 days of community service in educating the public on boater safety around whales.

Photo of whale just before the illegal interaction with the fishing guide ? entered as evidence (CNW Group/Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region)

The sentence relates to the disturbance of marine mammals that occurred on July 19, 2018 when Mr. Babcock approached a Humpback whale at a distance of less than 100 metres in the Work Channel, 50 kilometres north of Prince Rupert.

This is the first conviction under the amended Marine Mammal Regulations as part of the modernized Fisheries Act. The new regulations significantly strengthen protections for marine mammals.

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada's wildlife and biodiversity and safeguarding the long-term health and productivity of Canada's fisheries resources, and the habitat that supports them, for generations to come. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a mandate to protect and conserve marine resources and to prosecute offenders under the Fisheries Act. It ensures and promotes compliance with the Act and other laws and regulations through a combination of land, air, and sea patrols, as well as education and awareness activities. As part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's work to end illegal activity, the Department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to [email protected].

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region


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