Quadra Island-based Walcan Seafood has been acquitted of three charges related to the possession of illegal prawns.
After an 11-day trial over the summer, Walcan was cleared on Sept. 10 of the three charges laid against it by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). These charges stemmed from allegations of undersized prawns, which were filed after an inspection at the company's Quadra Island facility in June 2023.
For commercial enterprises, fishing, possessing and selling undersized prawns is illegal under the Fisheries Act and is enforced to ensure the sustainability of the prawn population, according to the DFO website. Prawns smaller than the minimum size of 33 mm (1.3 inches), measured from the eye socket to the end of the hard upper shell, called the carapace, must be released back into the ocean alive if caught.
The court reached several findings in favour of Walcan, noting discrepancies in the testimony provided by DFO officers.
According to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, the judge ruled out evidence under section 24(2) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Since the Crown didn't provide further evidence, the accused was declared not guilty.
In a media release, the seafood processing and sales company said that for over 50 years, it has operated as a trusted local employer and a reputable global supplier of premium seafood.
"We have never before faced charges of this nature, and we are grateful the court has affirmed what we have always maintained – Walcan operates responsibly, ethically, and with integrity," Walcan said.
