Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) had laid a charge in relation to an incident in which a man tossed an explosive device toward sea lions.
The alleged incident took place in the area during last year’s herring fishery.
Last March, the Pacific Balance Pinniped Society posted a video on social media showing a man throwing an explosive device, a ‘bear-banger,’ toward a large group of sea lions. The video touched off a debate around the herring fishery and seal culls to reduce.
DFO confirmed it has charged Allan Marsden under Section 7 of the Marine Mammal Regulations.
The section prohibits disturbing a marine mammal except under specific circumstances.
His first appearance in provincial court in Courtenay was in early January, and he is scheduled back in court on March 26.
mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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