YELLOWKNIFE - An aboriginal man and seasonal North Slave parks officer is contesting the charges that were laid against him after he allegedly left unmarked fishing nets in Yellowknife Bay.

Field biologist Murray Somers and Fishery officer Gerald Fillatre pull an abandoned net from Great Slave Lake containing rotten fish Aug. 2, 2006. - NNSL file photo

Brent Beck was charged on Sept. 19 last year by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, under section 78 of the Fisheries Act, for one count of setting "unmarked fishing gear" and a second count of wasting "fish that is suitable for human consumption" in Yellowknife Bay, court documents state.

Brent Beck, also a dogmusher, finished third in the 2007 Diavik150 Canadian Championship Dog Derby.

Beck entered a plea of not guilty in December of last year.

In a later court appearance on April 26, he indicated that in his defence he will be challenging the legislation he was charged under.

Beck also said at the time that he could not afford a lawyer, but has since sought the aid of an attorney, after urging from the judge.

Beck's lawyer, Austin Marshall, said he could not say on what grounds Beck plans to challenge the legislation since the matter will soon be before the court.

Beck's next court appearance is scheduled for June 13th.