$18,000 in fines for 4 people caught illegally shellfish harvesting in B.C.

COURTENAY — The Fisheries Department says it has wrapped up a three-year investigation into illegal shellfish harvesting on Vancouver Island that has resulted in $18,000 in total fines against four people.

The Fisheries Department says the investigation began in August 2023 when protection officers conducted inspections near Deep Bay south of Courtenay.

It says that throughout the investigation and court proceedings, several of the accused failed to appear and the court had to issue arrest warrants.

A provincial court judge in Courtenay convicted one of the accused of making a false claim or misleading statement and unlawful possession of oysters, and she was fined $4,500 last month.

Three others pleaded guilty in 2024, with a court fining one person $7,000, while the other two must pay fines of $3,500 and $3,000 for fishing without a licence and unlawful possession of shellfish.

Fisheries says their investigation started when someone called into the department’s observe, record and report program, which highlights the important role the public plays in protecting fish and their habitat.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2026.