Inland Fish Enforcement Program makes arrests and seizures

Justice Minister and Attorney General Tom Marshall announced today that 55 offences have been identified and 44 charges are pending against individuals since the beginning of this year�s Inland Fish Enforcement Program earlier this month.

"It�s been just over two weeks since the start of the 2006 enforcement program and officers have already made a number of arrests and seizures for salmon and trout poaching," Minister Marshall said. "This is a very important program and we will continue to pursue enforcement vigorously throughout the season and beyond."

Administration of the program was transferred to the Department of Justice from the Department of Natural Resources earlier this year. A key objective of the program when it was implemented in 2004 was to send a clear message to potential poachers that the province would act quickly and decisively to seek out those persons who are decimating the province�s valuable salmon and trout stocks.

"We encourage residents to report any suspected poaching activity. Together we can provide even greater protection for salmon and trout stocks," Minister Marshall said. "I�m pleased this year�s program is already starting to have its intended impact."

This year, 30 officers have been assigned to the program. A total of 44 charges are pending against 23 individuals for offences under the Federal Fisheries Regulations and/ or Wildlife Regulations. Officers have also issued 11 written warnings. The seizures include salmon nets, a boat, rods and reels, trout, salmon and cod. The charges include illegal netting, illegal possession of salmon, possession of untagged salmon, exceeding bag limit on trout, fishing during closed times and fishing without a licence.

Among those being charged are four male residents of Nova Scotia, who were apprehended by officers as they were leaving this province with 75 trout in their possession weighing 102 pounds. The trout had been gutted and some of the heads removed, with the estimated weight in their whole state approximately 125 pounds. Most of the trout were Ouananiche, with some speckled trout included. The four individuals have been summoned to appear in court at Port aux Basques on September 22, 2006.

The daily bag limit is five pounds plus one trout, or 12 trout. The maximum a person can possess is a two-day bag limit.

The headquarters for the Inland Fish Enforcement Program is located in Corner Brook. The public are encouraged to call the office at (709) 637-2971 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Officers dedicated to the IFEP will continue to work in cooperation with other enforcement agencies including the RCMP, RNC, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada Wildlife Service (Environment Canada) and Parks Canada, as well as their colleagues in the Department of Natural Resources.

Photo #1: Recent items ceased by Inland Fish Enforcement Officers

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2006 06 22                                         4:40 p.m.