DFO officials seized hundreds of pounds of crab and are investigating seven possible violations of the Fisheries Act following a patrol in Triton on Canada Day.

Officers inspecting a fishing vessel heading back to port discovered approximately 860 pounds of snow crab that was intended to be offloaded “without following the monitoring requirements” set in licence conditions.

Charges have not been laid.

DFO says under the Fisheries Act, fishery officers have the authority to dispose of seized fish at their discretion.

In this case the snow crab was sold, and the proceeds of the sale are being held until the investigation concludes. In the event of a conviction the proceeds will be forfeited to the Crown. If acquitted, the money will be returned to the defendants.