Port Hardy pair fined $8,750 for illegal rockfish fishing

Port Hardy pair fined $8,750 for illegal rockfish fishing

Published 11:30 am Tuesday, October 20, 2026

A tip from the public led to convictions and fines totaling $8,750 for illegal fishing near Port Hardy.

Xiao Dong Liu was fined $4,500 in Port Hardy Provincial Court on July 29, 2026, after being convicted of exceeding the daily fish quota and fishing during a closed period. Co-accused Yongjie Li was fined $4,250 after being convicted of the same offences, as well as failing to produce a licence.

The charges followed a complaint to the Observe, Record and Report line in March of 2025 regarding suspected illegal fishing near the shoreline and at a marina in Hardy Bay. Fishery officers later seized the catch, which included nine Quillback Rockfish, two Yellowtail Rockfish, one Canary Rockfish, one Greenstriped Rockfish, two Greenling, one Lingcod and five Rock Sole.

At the time of the offence in March 2025, the retention of rockfish and lingcod in the area was closed until May 1, 2025.

More than 35 species of rockfish live along the coast of British Columbia, with some living for more than a century.

However, because rockfish grow and reproduce slowly, many B.C. species are in decline and face conservation concerns. Seasonal fisheries closures protect vulnerable fish populations when they are most at risk, supporting healthy and sustainable fisheries for the future. Fishing during closed periods undermines conservation efforts and puts added pressure on fish stocks. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reminds all recreational fishers to review and follow current regulations – including quotas, retention limits, and area closures – before heading out on the water.

Anyone with information about suspected fisheries violations is encouraged to contact the DFO Pacific Region toll-free reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or by email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.