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Tossing ‘bear-banger’ at sea lions leads to DFO charge

Suspect due back in Courtenay provincial court court in late March
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DFO has laid a charge related to use of an explosive during last year’s herring fishery. Photoshopped screenshot

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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