The Provincial Government�s Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP) continues to target poachers across the province.

Since the enforcement program began in May, officers have laid a total of 105 charges against 53 individuals for offences related to fishing infractions such as illegal netting of fish in inland and coastal waters, illegal possession of salmon and trout, exceeding bag limits and angling during closed times.

IFEP officers have seized a total of 24 Atlantic salmon, approximately 130 trout, five boats and motors, an ATV, 12 illegal nets, 15 codfish, and 54 cod fillets, and other associated fishing equipment.

"These seizures are obviously quite significant," said the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Justice. "Our provincial court system takes this very seriously. If these individuals are found guilty of these offences, the courts could impose significant penalties of thousands of dollars, incarceration and prohibit these individuals from inland waters for up to 10 years."

Budget 2007 provided $270,400 for five new positions to bolster the successful IFEP, administered by the Department of Justice, bringing the total budget up to just over $2 million. The additional staff brings the total IFEP contingent this year to 42. Enforcement officers work in cooperation with other agencies including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, who have assisted in some recent investigations.

This year, IFEP officers have also dealt with an additional 81 non-fish related offences, which include violations under the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act, the Wildlife Act, Migratory Bird Convention Act and the Liquor Control Act.

IFEP officers have recently been involved in a significant number of investigations which have led to the apprehension of a number of individuals. On July 2, two people were apprehended on the Port au Port peninsula for netting salmon in coastal waters as well as for the illegal possession of Atlantic salmon. Officers seized a wooden boat, five salmon and a net. Also that day, an Indian Cove area resident was found to be in illegal possession of Atlantic salmon, as well as in possession of salmon caught in illegal waters, failure to release Atlantic salmon and failure to comply with fishing licence conditions. Officers seized a 20-foot boat, 60-HP motor, four salmon, two nets and various fishing equipment.

On June 30, an individual from Pelley�s Island was apprehended for netting inland waters and officers seized nine salmon and a net, and an obstruction charge is also pending. Earlier that week, officers apprehended two people from Peterview for netting inland waters, and other individuals on the Northern Peninsula for the illegal use of nets in coastal waters and seized a boat and motor, among other items.

Earlier in the month, an individual in the Grey River area on the south coast was apprehended for the illegal possession of a net and also for netting inland waters. In that case, officers seized a boat and motor. As well, officers in southern Labrador apprehended an individual on the Alexis River for fishing in inland waters by means other than by angling, and also illegal possession of a net near inland waters. Items seized included a wooden boat with 50-HP engine, a fishing rod and a salmon net.

"Poachers are using illegal nets to indiscriminately target salmon and trout in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers. This has a terrible impact on future populations of fish," said Minister Osborne. "Adult fish are killed en route to spawning areas and if we let this continue to happen it will be detrimental to future fish populations.

"However, with the added enforcement that has been provided through additional funding for the program this year, the IFEP is effectively targeting the problem," the minister continued. "In the last week of June alone, officers apprehended six individuals for setting illegal nets and officers made significant seizures related to these apprehensions including boats and motors, among other items."

While the mandate of the IFEP is to focus on inland and coastal waters, primarily where freshwater fish are concerned, there are also incidental seizures related to salt water fish. For instance, on June 28 officers apprehended three individuals from the Canning�s Cove, Bonavista Bay, area for the illegal possession of cod and also for fishing during a closed time. Officers seized a 19-foot boat and a 55-HP motor, along with other equipment.

"I am extremely pleased with how successful this program has become," said Minister Osborne. "Since its inception in 2004, the IFEP has proved to be an invaluable benefit to inland fish stocks, and by extension, to legitimate anglers both young and old."

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

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Media contact:

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

2007 07 13                                                     9:15 a.m.