Government makes new investment to curb salmon poaching

Premier Danny Williams says the investment of $800,000 in Budget 2005 to expand the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP) signals government�s resolve to tackle head-on the poaching problem in the province and to protect this vital natural resource.

In 2004, the provincial government implemented the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program to provide for a dedicated team of conservation officers to curb poaching on the province�s inland waters. This decision was in response to this government�s position that the federal government was not adequately living up to its responsibility to provide for enforcement.

"Atlantic salmon are a critical component of the province�s outdoor recreational experience," said Premier Williams. "The province is committed to resource conservation and protection; we need to stop illegal poaching and bring to justice those who engage in this activity. The provincial government�s participation in this program is not to replace the federal government�s responsibility but to add to the enforcement effort in protection of the stock."

There are 186 licensed salmon rivers in Newfoundland and Labrador and 69 per cent of all Atlantic salmon caught in Atlantic Canada are caught in this province. The province�s inland resources are greater than the combined totals of New England and the rest of Atlantic Canada.

The funding will provide additional tools and human resources to combat organized poaching operations on the province�s rivers. A review of the 2004 Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program highlighted specific areas where additional resources would significantly enhance the team�s ability to apprehend violators participating in organized poaching operations. During 2004, the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program resulted in 180 charges against 104 individuals.

"Last year, officers from this department had a significant impact on salmon poaching throughout our inland waters," said the Premier. "We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to organized poaching in the province. We will also continue to lobby the federal government to provide additional resources for the protection of inland fisheries."

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, Communications, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500
Carmel Turpin, Natural Resources, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624

2005 03 21                   3:40 p.m.