MONTREAL - Quebec wildlife protection officials have laid 150 charges against fishermen accused of illegally catching fish in the St. Lawrence River and the restaurateurs who allegedly bought them.
The fishermen caught more than 2,000 fish in Montreal's Old Port and then sold them to restaurants in nearby Chinatown, according to Quebec's Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife.
Ten fishermen and seven restaurant owners were questioned by wildlife officials on Wednesday. A ministry spokesperson was unable to say how many of the 17 are facing charges in what authorities have dubbed Operation Dragon.
The accused will face charges including fishing without a licence, illegal possession of fish, exceeding fishing quotas, and the illegal sale and purchase of fish caught during sport fishing.
A fisherman with a licence can fish up to three kilograms at a time but some of the fishermen were leaving the wharf with up to 50 kilograms, said wildlife officials.
Fish caught in Montreal's Old Port are safe to eat, despite containing traces of mercury, according to Environment Canada.
Wildlife officials said they will seek fines of up to $125,000 for the fisherman and merchants.
Good thing it was salty, I had no idea!!! :) I;m still around to tell my story, lol
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