A Nanaimo-based commercial crab fishing boat master Scott Steer has again been found guilty of serious offences against the Fisheries Act.
He was convicted on 5 counts in Vancouver Provincial Court on May 14, 2021, by the Honorable Justice Edelman for illegal activities near North Vancouver.
Steer, who has faced serious judicial penalties in the past, including a jail term, a twenty-two year prohibition from fishing in Canadian or U.S. waters, and significant fines, is currently under 24-hour house arrest.
He will be sentenced in October of this year.
He is currently prohibited by the Courts until 2038 from applying for any Fisheries Act licences, being on board any fishing vessel, possessing or acquiring any vessels, or owning any fishing gear.
On March 1, just before midnight, a Vancouver Sea Bus advised the Marine Traffic Center of a vessel fishing crabs in the harbour at night. Officers investigated and discovered Steer illegally fishing for crab.
After ignoring commands to stop, the vessel was boarded at high speed and Steer and three crew members were arrested and held in custody by the North Vancouver RCMP.
The fishing vessel, plus a truck and trailer were seized, and 300 live crab found on board were released back into the water.
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