Major Elver Seizure at Toronto Pearson Airport Sparks International Smuggling Concerns

Recently, a significant seizure of unauthorized elvers took place at Toronto Pearson International Airport, sparking concerns over international smuggling operations. The operation, carried out by officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canada Border Services Agency, intercepted approximately 109 kilograms of elvers with an estimated value ranging from $400,000 to $500,000.

According to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and Canadian Coast Guard, Diane Lebouthillier, the collaborative efforts of multiple government agencies were instrumental in this seizure, underlining the message that individuals involved in illegal elver fishing will face strict enforcement.

The seizure comes in the wake of the DFO’s decision to forgo the elver fishery this year in Nova Scotia due to safety and conservation concerns. This swift action follows earlier warnings that those engaged in illicit elver fishing activities will be met with enforcement measures under the Fisheries Act and Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations.

The investigative efforts into this seizure are now in progress, and the cooperation among various departments and agencies, including DFO’s Conservation & Protection Directorate and National Fisheries Intelligence Service, is notable. The seizure also highlights the ongoing commitment to combatting illegal elver fishing to prevent exploitation and harm to the ecosystem.