Report illegal sales of seafood
Observe, Record and Report (ORR)
If you see any illegal fisheries activity or illegal fish sales online, report it as soon as possible to us at our Observe, Record and Report (ORR) hotline at 1-800-465-4336 or via email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
If you buy seafood from an unlawful source, not only do you run the risk of illness, fines and jail time – you harm the management of fisheries resources for the future.
It is a prime time to enjoy locally caught seafood, but please be aware that it is illegal to purchase seafood that was not harvested in a lawful fishery. If you wish to purchase seafood from anyone, it is your responsibility to ensure that it was lawfully caught under a licence authorizing sale.
Buy seafood safely
- Buy seafood from licensed reputable sources.
- If in doubt, ask what fishery the seafood has come from and request to see the commercial licence or Aboriginal Fishery Landing Slip.
- Protect your health - only fish and shellfish caught and sold legally have had health and safety inspections.
Don't risk it
- Buying fish over the Internet may be unlawful and a threat to your health.
- Selling or buying seafood illegally may result in significant fines under the Fisheries Act, and/or fines under Provincial legislation. If you are caught purchasing, selling, trading or bartering seafood caught in a fishery where sales are not authorized, you could face fines as high as $100,000, and/or up to 2 years in jail.
- Depending on handling, processing, transport and storage - buyers of illegal seafood run the risk of ingesting fish that is contaminated or causes food poisoning.
- Illegal fish sales undermine the ability to manage fishery resources in a fair and equitable manner, now and into the future.
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