Boat, 2 dozen salmon seized amid allegations of overfishing off B.C.'s coast

More than two dozen chinook salmon, about 24 kilograms of salmon roe, 18 rock cod fillets and eight ling cod fillets are seen in an undated police handout photo. (Nootka Sound RCMP)

GOLD RIVER, B.C. - The Mounties have seized a nine-metre fishing boat and more than two dozen chinook salmon over what they say are allegations of "significant overfishing."

The RCMP say they received a report Wednesday of possible Fisheries Act violations by those aboard the vessel on the west side of Vancouver Island near Nootka Sound.

In a news release, police allege officers with the Fisheries Department found more than two dozen chinook salmon, about 24 kilograms of salmon roe, 18 rock cod fillets and eight ling cod fillets.

Chinook populations are on the decline and the Fisheries Department has limited recreational fishermen to an allowable catch of two chinook per day in the area.

Police say three people from outside the province are expected to appear in court in November to face charges under the Fisheries Act.