PRINCE RUPERT, BC, Oct. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- Protecting species at risk requires strong partnerships, timely reporting, and effective enforcement on the ground. Collaboration between Indigenous Fishery Guardians and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) plays a vital role, especially in remote areas, in safeguarding vulnerable marine species and ensuring the long-term health of Canada's aquatic ecosystems.

On August 5, 2026, in Prince Rupert Provincial Court, Caylin James Holland was convicted and fined $7,500 for illegally possessing Northern Abalone, an endangered species protected under Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA).

The conviction stems from an alert from the Metlakatla Fishery Guardians to DFO on September 8, 2025. The Guardians, who routinely work closely on enforcement issues with Conservation and Protection fishery officers, suspected that harvesters fishing in waters around Metlakatla, 5 kilometers north of Prince Rupert, BC, may have caught northern abalone.

Due to the timely information from the Metlakatla Guardians, fishery officers were able to locate Mr. Holland. He was found in possession of 10 Northern Abalone. The abalone were seized and later returned alive to suitable habitat to maximize their chance of survival.

Northern Abalone is listed as an endangered species in Canada under SARA. Once abundant along the coast of British Columbia, populations declined significantly due to overharvesting, resulting in a complete closure of the fishery in 1990. Illegal harvesting and possession continue to pose one of the greatest threats to the species' recovery.

DFO fishery officers work alongside Indigenous partners, other agencies, communities, and stakeholders to protect Canada's fisheries resources through enforcement, education, monitoring, and compliance activities. DFO remains committed to conserving species at risk and enforcing SARA and the Fisheries Act. Anyone with information regarding 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

• Northern Abalone is listed as endangered under SARA, which means it is legally considered to be a wildlife species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction. 
• The species is extremely vulnerable; the mollusks cannot move quickly to evade predators and can be hand picked off rocky exposed shorelines that are accessible during low tide events.
• Under SARA, No person shall possess, collect, buy, sell or trade an individual of a wildlife species that is listed as an extirpated species, an endangered species or a threatened species, or any part or derivative of such an individual.

Associated Links:

• Protecting British Columbia's Northern Abalone | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Aquatic species at risk 

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada