A British Columbia fishing guide has been convicted and fined $12,000 for serious fishing violations that occurred during trips in Haida Gwaii in the summer of 2023. Jean-Marc Cyr was found guilty of multiple offences under the federal Fisheries Act, including overfishing and using a false fishing licence.
Details of the Violations
According to the federal Fisheries Department, Cyr came to the attention of fishery officers while leading fishing trips in Haida Gwaii during the summer of 2023. During an initial inspection in July 2023, officers discovered that Cyr had already reached the annual limit for chinook salmon on his licence and had recorded catching seven halibut.
Recreational fishers in the Pacific region are legally limited to catching 10 chinook and 10 halibut per season. When officers conducted a second inspection the following month, Cyr presented them with a licence containing different information. Upon questioning, he admitted that the licence was a reprinted copy.
Additional Findings and Conviction
During the second inspection, officers also found that Cyr possessed one chinook salmon and one halibut over the legal limits. On March 5, Cyr was convicted in Daajing Giids provincial court on three charges:
- Providing false documents
- Making a false or misleading statement to a fishery officer
- Possessing fish over the legal limits
Penalties and Consequences
The court imposed a total fine of $12,000, broken down as $5,000 each for the first two charges and $2,000 for the overfishing violation. In addition to the financial penalty, Cyr has been banned from fishing until June 21 and is required to provide an up-to-date copy of his licence and all catch information to the local Department of Fisheries and Oceans detachment each month that he works as a guide until the end of 2027.
Unusual Nature of the Offence
Fisheries officer Steve Closter commented on the case, noting that while overfishing and providing misleading information are relatively common offences, the use of false documents was something he hadn't encountered before in his experience. "This is the first for me where I caught someone printing out another licence and using it," Closter said. "We know this happens, and we do our best to fine people doing it."
Importance of Accurate Reporting
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans emphasized that fishermen and guides are legally required to accurately document all retained catch and provide those records to fishery officers upon request. Accurate reporting is essential for ensuring sustainable fish stocks and supporting conservation measures designed to protect marine ecosystems.
The case highlights the serious consequences that can result from fishing violations, particularly in sensitive ecological areas like Haida Gwaii. The penalties serve as a reminder of the importance of compliance with fishing regulations to protect marine resources for future generations.
