DFO seizes $500K worth of baby eels in N.S.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says it has seized around $500,000 worth of baby eels near Halifax.

DFO said it seized 113 kilograms of baby eels, known as elvers, on Friday following an inspection in Enfield, N.S.

Fishery officers also seized a truck, trailer and $15,792 in cash. One person was also arrested, according to a Facebook post from DFO on Monday.

“Fishery officers will continue to enforce the Fisheries Act and work with other law enforcement agencies to combat illegal fishing,” DFO said in the post.

The seizure comes amid a 45-day closure of the elver fishery in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, which began on April 15, over conservation and safety concerns.

As of Friday, officers had made 53 arrests and seized about 123 kilograms of baby eels — which sell for up to $5,000 a kilogram — between the two provinces.

They also seized dozens of nets, fishing and storage gear, four vehicles, a trailer, and more than $15,000 in cash.