Local men fined and penalized for illegal cod fishing

Three men from Parson’s Pond were recently convicted of illegal cod fishing.

Dec. 8, at the provincial court in Rocky Harbour, Stephen Caines and Sidney Caines were convicted of fishing for cod during a closed time and illegal possession of cod. Stephen was fined $2,100, prohibited from recreational fishing for five years, and prohibited from being within 100 metres of inland and coastal waters. His boat, motor, fishing gear and catch, valued at more than $2,800, were forfeited by the court. Sidney Caines was fined $1,500 and prohibited from recreational fishing for three years. His rod and reel were also forfeited.

Oct. 27, at the provincial court in Corner Brook, Myrle Payne was convicted of fishing for cod during a closed time and illegal possession of cod. He was fined $1,000 and prohibited from participating in the recreational groundfish fishery for three years. His rod and reel were forfeited.

The infractions occurred June 23 when fishery officers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Rocky Harbour conducted an unmarked vehicle patrol of the Parson’s Pond area. They inspected a small open boat.