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NLIS 2
July 14, 2006
(Justice)
 

Update on 2006 Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program

The Department of Justice today provided an update on the most recent fishing and non-fishing related charges to be laid against individuals under the 2006 Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP).

"We are continuing to have great success with our Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program in deterring the level of poaching and other violations throughout our province," said Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "The apprehensions of the past week by the enforcement team are evidence of the positive impact we are having in terms of protecting our inland fish resources. Already, Justice officials have made a significant number of arrests and seizures for alleged salmon and trout fisheries violations since the onset of the 2006 enforcement program."

The enforcement division reports that its officers apprehended an individual in the South Branch area near Port aux Basques this past weekend for salmon-related offences. The arrest resulted in the seizure of salmon and a vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

During the past week, IFEP officers in Labrador apprehended two individuals who were allegedly in possession of approximately 130 pounds of trout and arctic char.

An investigation into salmon poaching is also taking place in the community of Trout River. An individual from the area is alleged to have illegally netted 31 Atlantic salmon. Poaching in the Trout River area continues to be a significant issue for the enforcement team, and they will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Since the inception of the 2006 Inland Fish Enforcement Program, officers have identified a total of 126 fishing-related offences and 26 non-fishing related offences. The charges involve illegal netting, illegal possession of salmon, exceeding possession limits, fishing for salmon with bait, and fishing with tackle in scheduled waters. The enforcement officers work cooperatively with other enforcement agencies including the RNC, RCMP, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment Canada), Parks Canada and the Department of Natural Resources.

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.

Photo #1: 31 salmon seized as part of investigation in Trout River

Photo #2: Trout and arctic char seized by Inland Fisheries Enforcement Officers in Labrador

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0557

2006 07 14                     11:05 a.m.


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