2,200 lbs of fish illegally harvested during 2-year undercover operation: Fish and Wildlife

Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers can be seen during an investigation into illegal fish trafficking from Lesser Slave Lake. (Photo: Facebook/Alberta Fish and Wildlife )

A two-year undercover investigation into fish trafficking has led to charges against two northern Albertans.

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In a Thursday social media post, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement said the investigation targeted repeat offenders illegally trafficking fish in the Faust area near Lesser Slave Lake.

“The fish were initially harvested legally under rights provided to First Nations and Métis Peoples for sustenance and subsistence — either for their own use or for others within their communities who are lawfully permitted to receive them," said Rob Lamont, Fish and Wildlife Dep. Chief. “However, it is illegal to sell fish obtained under this authority to anyone.”

Fish and Wildlife said about 2,200 pounds of game fish – including walleye, northern pike and lake whitefish – were estimated to have been illegally harvested and trafficked from Lesser Slave Lake.

“The illegal trade of fish and wildlife fuels black market demand, encouraging further poaching and putting pressure on vulnerable fish populations. Trafficking fish is a serious offence in Alberta, carrying maximum penalties of $100,000 and up to one year in jail per count,” it said.

The two people suspected were arrested and the truck used in three illegal transactions was seized, officers said, as well as a boat and two nets of caught fish.

The man, a Faust resident, is facing three counts relating to the illegal sale and possession of fish and the woman, from Wabasca, is facing one count of the same charge.

Lamont said the man is currently facing charges from a previous trafficking case and was arrested before the initial court proceedings from those first charges had finished.

The fish, seized fresh, were donated whenever possible through local Fish and Wildlife offices, with priority given to Indigenous communities.

Suspected poaching or wildlife and fishery violations can be called into the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. Callers may be eligible for a reward and can remain anonymous if desired.