In Manitoba, the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corp. is the only body that can legally export fish.

The co-operative was fined $2,000 while its president, Amanda Stevenson, was also fined $2,000.

Prior to Monday's court appearance, Stevenson and commercial fishermen from across the province held a protest at the steps of the Manitoba legislative building, demanding their freedom to market fish.

They want to be able to sell rough fish, like mullet and carp, directly to their buyers in the U.S.