Four shellfish harvesters are facing $18,000 in fines for illegal harvesting on Vancouver Island that took place in 2023. The illegally harvested shellfish, including clams and oysters, were discovered near Deep Bay, south of Courtenay, on Aug. 26, 2023. On May 23, 2024, Ya Chung Lao was fined $7,000 and was banned from fishing for one year for obstruction and unlawful possession. Meanwhile, Yilai Zhu was fined $3,500 for fishing without a licence and unlawful possession, while Chun Shui Tu was fined $3,000 for the same two offences. Anyone who sees or suspects fisheries violations is asked to contact the DFO Pacific Region’s toll-free violation reporting line at 1‑800‑465‑4336 or email DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.