B.C. man sentenced to jail a 4th time for repeat fishing violations
Scott Steer sentenced to 45 days in jail and ordered to forfeit his crab fishing gear and vessel
A man previously convicted for selling up to $100,000 in illegally-acquired crab and halibut has been handed yet another jail term.
It's the fourth time Nanaimo-based fisherman Scott Steer has been jailed for fishing violations.
In the most recent contravention, Steer was found guilty on eight charges of breaching the conditions of his Fisheries Act prohibition order.
He has been sentenced to 45 days in jail and ordered to forfeit his crab fishing gear and vessel, the HOLLY V.
In May, Steer was sentenced to 21 days after his arrest in April for "failing to comply with a court order banning him from being on any vessel other than BC Ferries."
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Steer is now prohibited from having any fishing gear, being onboard any fishing vessel or applying for a new fishing lease for 12 years.
Officials with Fisheries and Oceans Canada say it's rare for people to be given jail sentences for fishing violations.
With files from Maryse Zeidler