Charges laid under the federal Fisheries Regulations and provincial Wildlife Regulations, by Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP) officers have led to a conviction and large fine for illegal poaching.

Samuel Snook of Trout River plead guilty in Provincial Court to four charges under the regulations for illegal possession of salmon and trout and was issued fines totaling $3,100. He has also been prohibited from being within two kilometres of his cabin in Chimney Cove Brook for two years, been restricted from being near any inland waters for three years, and can not hold any recreational fishing licences for five years.

During his apprehension, provincial enforcement officers also seized Mr. Snook�s all-terrain vehicle and other supplies of significant value.

Although the responsibility for the enforcement of Newfoundland and Labrador�s inland waters rests with the federal government, the Williams Government created the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program in 2004 to ensure salmon and trout were being adequately protected.

The IFEP program is administered by the Department of Justice. During the 2006 June to October enforcement season, nearly 300 charges were laid. The 2007 enforcement season gets underway later this month.

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Media contact:
Deborah Pennell
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 685-6612
deborahpennell@gov.nl.ca

2007 05 08                                                       3:20 p.m.