A major oilsands producer has been fined for not stopping birds from nesting on an island in one of its tailings ponds.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. has been assessed the fine of $278,000 by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The regulator says the company knew by May 21, 2022, that more than 270 birds were nesting on the island and didn't tell authorities until more than two weeks later.

Although the company tried to keep the birds away, the measures didn't work and, by mid-July, chicks were being …