Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program netting results

In just one week since being implemented the new Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program is already having an impact on curtailing salmon poaching in the province. During the past week, conservation officers with the Department of Natural Resources have laid 28 charges against 13 individuals for a variety of offences and have seized several items.

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, said the addition of 20 experienced conservation officers who have a strong enforcement background is enhancing the existing efforts along the province’s salmon rivers.

"A key objective when implementing this program was to send a clear message to potential poachers that we were going to act quickly and decisively to seek out those persons who are decimating the valuable Atlantic salmon resource. The Premier and I are extremely pleased the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program is already starting to have its intended impact," said Minister Byrne. "The announcement of these pending charges and the seizure of valuable items committed during these alleged acts demonstrates this government is taking a serious stand when it comes to providing enhanced protection of our salmon and trout stocks."

The province’s conservation officers, in conjunction with fisheries officers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and contract river guardians, have seized 12 illegal nets, 45 Atlantic salmon, four boats, outboard engines, fishing equipment and one pick-up truck.

"Our conservation officers have been working cooperatively with DFO officers to identify and deter illegal activities," the minister stated. "In fact, many of the charges laid by our conservation officers during the past week were done during joint patrols with DFO officers."

Despite these recent charges, Minister Byrne stated that the public still has an important role to play in the reduction of poaching along inland waterways.

"Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to report information of suspected inland fisheries poaching to local enforcement personnel," said Minister Byrne. "It is through such cooperation we will be able to provide even greater protection for salmon and trout stocks."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282

Photo #1: Brent Cole, a conservation officer in Gander, displays some of the netting and Atlantic salmon seized recently.

2004 07 20                                       3:35 p.m.