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Anglers Fined $8,750 for Illegal Fishing on Vancouver Island
A public tip led officers to seize more than 20 illegally retained rockfish and secure convictions against the two fishers.
- On July 29, 2026, Port Hardy Provincial Court fined two fishers a combined $8,750 for illegal rockfish retention near Port Hardy, British Columbia. Xiao Dong Liu and Yongjie were convicted of fishing violations in a closed area.
- A public tip to the DFO's ORR line on March 12, 2025, prompted fishery officers to catch the pair near the shoreline and a marina in Hardy Bay. The area was closed for rockfish and lingcod retention at the time.
- Officers seized more than 20 illegally retained fish, including nine Quillback Rockfish, two Yellowtail Rockfish, one Canary Rockfish, one Greenstriped Rockfish, two Greenling, one Lingcod and five Rock Sole. The specific catch composition documented the violations.
- Xiao Dong Liu received a $4,500 fine for exceeding daily quotas and fishing during a closed period; Yongjie was fined $4,250 for the same offences plus failing to produce a licence. The split fines reflected their individual violations.
- Seasonal closures are critical for conservation, as DFO notes there are over 35 rockfish species along the British Columbia coast; many grow slowly and live for over 100 years. These protections support vulnerable populations during at-risk periods.
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Two recreational fishers fined $8,750 for retaining rockfish during a closed period and exceeding catch limits
October 19, 2026 Port Hardy, British Columbia - There are over 35 species of rockfish along the coast of British Columbia (BC) and some live for over 100 years. Rockfish grow and reproduce slowly and many BC rockfish species are in decline and of conservation concern. Fisheries closures for these and other species are a critical conservation tool that help protect vulnerable fis
·Vancouver, Canada
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Total News Sources7
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 40%
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