DFO hands out $33k fine to vessel caught finishing in protected area

The DFO has fined a commercial halibut vessel master for illegally fishing in a Marine Protected area near Bella Bella. 

The vessel Gypsy Soul was finishing inside the Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reef and as a result, caught a fine of $33,596. 

Glass sponge is slow-growing and can easily be damaged by fishing activity according to the DFO. 

Owner and operator of the Gypsy Soul, Brent Belveal pleaded guilty to fishing in the protected area and for selling his illegal catch. 

DFO adds that these reefs are approximately 9,000 years old.