Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program efforts result in poaching conviction

The provincial government�s Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program has resulted in another conviction against a poacher.

Chesley Abbott of Princeton, Bonavista Bay, was recently convicted at provincial court in Clarenville on charges related to fishing Atlantic salmon during a closed period.

While on patrol July 18, 2005, conservation officers with the Department of Natural Resources identified an illegal net at Southern Brook which is located near the community of Princeton. The officers staked out the location for several hours until observing Mr. Abbott checking the net at which time he was charged with the poaching offence.

Judge Patrick Kennedy sentenced Mr. Abbott with a fine of $2,500 and prohibited him from fishing inland and coastal waters for a period of two years. In addition, one gill net, five Atlantic salmon and fishing equipment were forfeited to the Crown.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624, carmelturpin@gov.nl.ca

2006 02 14        12:00 noon