It only takes one bad apple to tarnish our industry.

Multiple Canadian newspapers are reporting on the conviction of Winnipeg businessman Jayson Daeninck on counts of importing protected species without proper permits.  Daeninck was found guilty of 18 charges under the federal Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.  Sentencing is scheduled for early 2012.

In 2007, Canada Customs intercepted an unpermitted shipment of 20,000 pounds of scleratinia rock into British Columbia.  Officials arrested Daeninck soon thereafter and executed a search warrant at his home and business, SaltWaterConnection.com, where they discovered evidence of more illegal importation (with clear intent to defraud) of sea horses and giant clams.

Reefkeepers may be familiar with this company under the trade name SWC – makers/importers of protein skimmers, reactors, and LED lighting systems.

Daeninck claimed he had actually ordered another type of rock (that did not harbor protected corals) for the purpose of building a fence.  However, the judge dismissed his defense as “meek and unbelievable.”