Three men from Burnt Islands on the south coast of Newfoundland were convicted of fishing violations after a high-tech investigation.

In May, Department of Fisheries and Oceans officers from the nearby Port aux Basques detachment found six unmarked lobster traps close to the small community of Burnt Islands.

'Good job! This is a great way to stop poachers! Poachers hurt very sensitive marine ecosystems and need to stay within the limits of fishing.'

—Insensitive

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The officers placed live lobsters implanted with microchips in each of the traps, the federal department said Friday.

During a stakeout of the area, officers saw three men hauling two of the untagged traps from the water and approached the men. Officers searched their boat and found all six microchip lobsters.

Following the inspection, fisheries officers patrolled the coastal waters near Burnt Islands and found additional unmarked traps. In total, 13 traps and 54 lobsters were seized as part of the operation, fisheries officials said.

Everett James, of Burnt Islands, was convicted in late July of using untagged traps and possession of lobster caught in contravention of the Fisheries Act. He was sentenced to a 14-day licence suspension at the start of the 2009 fishing season. Lobster valued at $297.50 as well as 13 lobster traps were seized.

Two other men, Wallace James Sr. and Kevin Courtney, were convicted for their roles in the offences, and each was sentenced to a $500 fine. The money will go to promoting protection of fish and lobster habitat in Newfoundland and Labrador, under the terms of the federal Fisheries Act.