NANAIMO, BC, Oct. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- Compliance with commercial fishing licence conditions is essential to ensuring a fair, accountable and sustainable fishery. Requirements such as accurate reporting, proper use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), and adherence to licence conditions help Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manage fisheries, support conservation objectives, and maintain a level playing field for all harvesters.

On July 31, 2026, in Nanaimo Provincial Court, vessel master of the Dark Star Dean Keitsch pled guilty and was convicted on four counts of failing to comply with the terms and conditions of a commercial prawn fishing licence. He was fined a total of $30,000. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of seized fishing gear.

The conviction stems from violations of Canada's Fisheries Act that occurred between May 12 and June 6, 2023, near Nanaimo, British Columbia. This is Mr. Keitsch's second significant conviction for illegal fishing activities; he was previously fined $250,000 in 2024. 

DFO fishery officers play a critical role in protecting Canada's fisheries through enforcement, education, monitoring, and compliance activities. DFO is committed to protecting and conserving marine resources and enforcing the Fisheries Act.

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

Quick Facts

• Fishery officers were alerted to possible illegal prawn fishing activities after receiving a report of fishing gear consisting of a buoy, rope and weight, but with no traps attached. This was found to be a "dummy float" intended to hold a position on fishing grounds prior to, or during a legal commercial fishery opening.
• A subsequent inspection of the VMS data from the Dark Star determined that Mr. Keitsch activated the mandatory system on May 15, 2023, the opening day of the prawn season, rather than the required 72 hours before the vessel's departure from port. VMS data also showed a period between May 29 and May 31, 2023, when the vessel was not transmitting the required data, although fishing activity was recorded in logbooks.

Associated Links:

• National Vessel Monitoring Service
• Previous 2024 conviction - Commercial vessel master fined $250,000 for fishing illegally in Glass Sponge Reef Refuge - Canada.ca 
• What does a fishery officer do 

Stay Connected

• Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada