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Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program leads to conviction of more salmon poachers Investigative work carried by conservation officers with the provincial government�s Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program has resulted in the conviction of three more salmon poachers. Carl English from the west coast community of Doyles was convicted by Judge Donald Luther at Provincial Court in Port aux Basques on December 17, 2004, after pleading guilty to netting inland waters and possession of untagged salmon. Mr. English was fined a total of $3,700 and placed on probation for three years. In addition, he is prohibited from being near inland waters and is not to possess or consume salmon for three years. Mr. English was also ordered not to possess any hunting or fishing licence until all fines are paid in full. Mr. English was charged on September 5, 2004, by conservation officers assigned to the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program who were responding to a tip from local anglers that individuals had set a net during broad daylight in a popular salmon pool on Little Codroy River. A subsequent investigation lead the officers to Mr. English�s residence where a search warrant was executed. Upon searching the premises conservation officers located and seized approximately 15 Atlantic salmon, a 50-foot net and two pack sacks used during the committing of the offences. Meanwhile, on December 15, 2004, at court in Stephenville, Judge Catherine Allen-Westby convicted Glen Sheppard of St. George�s with illegal possession of a net near inland waters. The offence occurred on July 5, 2004. Mr. Sheppard had pled guilty, was fined $2,000 and prohibited from being within 50 metres of inland waters for a period of three years. Also convicted on December 15, 2004, was Sebastian Lucas of Stephenville. Mr. Lucas was found to be fishing during closed time on June 3, 2004 and was given a fine of $700. He was also given a three-year prohibition not to be within 50 metres of inland waters. Media contact: 2005 01 13 9:10 a.m. |
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