In an effort to reduce poaching of the province�s inland fish, the Department of Justice is adding five enforcement officers to the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP).

"Atlantic salmon are a critical component of the province�s outdoor recreational experience," said the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Justice. "The province is committed to resource conservation and protection, and we will employ all available means of apprehending those who engage in this activity. The Provincial Government�s continued participation in this program is not to replace the federal government�s responsibility, but to add to the enforcement effort intended for protecting the stock."

Budget 2007 provided $270,400 for five new positions to bolster the successful IFEP, initiated in 2004, bringing the program�s total budget up to just over $2 million. The additional staff brings the total IFEP contingent this year to 42.

The Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP) field operations resumed throughout the province in early May and will continue throughout the island and in southern and western Labrador until September 28. Officers assigned to the IFEP work in cooperation with other agencies including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Department of Natural Resources, Canadian Wildlife Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and contract fisheries guardians.

There are 186 licensed salmon rivers in Newfoundland and Labrador and 69 per cent of all Atlantic salmon landed in Atlantic Canada are caught in this province. The province�s inland resources are greater than the combined totals of New England and the rest of Atlantic Canada.

In 2006 alone, IFEP reported 276 fishing related offences resulting in 189 charges being laid. Charges included illegal netting, illegal possession of salmon, jigging of salmon and trout, exceeding possession limits, and fishing salmon with bait and fishing with tackle in scheduled waters. In addition to the large number of violations detected for fish-related offences, officers also identified 354 other offences. Those offences fall under wildlife legislation, All Terrain Vehicle Regulations, Criminal Code, Fire Regulations and the Migratory Bird Act. In total, IFEP officers dealt with 630 offences.

"We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to organized poaching in the province. We will also continue to lobby the federal government to provide additional resources for the protection of inland fisheries," said the minister.

Many of the fish-related cases from last year that have moved their way through the courts have resulted in significant fines ranging from $1,300 to $6,000, jail sentences up to 60 days and prohibition from inland waters up to 10 years. "What we find really encouraging," said the minister, "are the significant penalties now imposed by the courts for tampering with salmon tags."

One individual was sentenced in court earlier this year and fined for not properly tagging Atlantic salmon and illegal possession of an altered salmon tag. The total fine in this case was $2,000, which is $1,000 on each count respectively. "This is very encouraging," added the minister, "because our IFEP officers feel that illegally tampering with salmon tags is a serious issue. These convictions will go a long way in stemming this problem." In another sentencing in June, the courts imposed a fine totaling $3,000 for possession of untagged salmon and illegal possession of salmon. A boat and motor were also forfeited to the Crown, as well as 31 salmon.

So far this year, the IFEP team has identified 106 fish related violations, which resulted in 53 charges laid against 32 individuals. Officers also dealt with 68 non-fish related violations, resulting in 33 charges being laid. In total, there were a number of seizures made in association with the violations, including over 100 trout, eight salmon, 32 rods/reels, three illegal nets, two firearms, one ATV and 60 grams of marijuana.

"It is quite evident that the program is working very effectively and is making significant progress in targeting poaching and protecting the overall health of our salmon and trout populations. I applaud the hard work and dedication of our enforcement officers and the contributions of other agencies. It is evident, based on the numbers of violations reported early in the angling season, that we will have another successful program for 2007," said Minister Osborne. "Through this program, this government continues to clearly demonstrate its concern for this valuable resource and we will continue efforts to see additional enforcement resources directed toward the protection of inland fish."

Anyone witnessing suspicious activities in inland waters or any illegal fishing activity can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or the IFEP Headquarters at 709-637-2971.

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Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Communications
Executive Council
709-729-0557
MOneill@gov.nl.ca

2007 06 22                                                 11:35 a.m.