Officers from the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP) of the Department of Justice uncovered a salmon poaching operation and apprehended three individuals at the headwaters of the Branch River on Monday, September 3, 2007.

IFEP officers had been conducting surveillance in the area for some time and implemented an operational plan to target the suspected poaching activity. Four officers intercepted two individuals as they were traveling from the area on all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and after a short chase, were successful in stopping and, apprehending the suspects.

The resulting offences include: netting inland waters; illegal possession of a net near inland waters; illegal possession of salmon; possession of untagged salmon; alteration of salmon; failing to stop for a wildlife officer; and numerous ATV violations. Officers seized two ATVs, 47 Atlantic salmon, a 40-foot net and other related equipment. The investigation is still continuing, and given the serious nature of this particular bust, significant fines could be imposed by the courts following a guilty verdict.

Recent convictions and fines indicate the seriousness the Provincial Courts view such illegal activity. For instance, on September 4, 2007, Donald Burt and Justin Taylor of Peterview each received $2,000 fines after they were convicted in Grand Falls-Windsor Provincial Court for attempting to net salmon in inland waters. The illegal activity took place on the lower portion of the Exploits River near the community of Peterview. Officers set up surveillance operations and apprehended the men on June 28, 2007. The men are also prohibited from inland waters for six months. Officers also seized a 77-foot net and associated equipment, which were forfeited to the Crown.

On August 21, 2007, Rodney Downton, a resident of Grand Falls-Windsor, was sentenced in Provincial Court and received fines totaling $2, 200 for several violations under federal Fisheries Regulations and provincial Wildlife Regulations.

Mr. Downton was convicted for several offences, including attempting to foul hook trout, unlawfully jigging trout and the illegal possession of trout. He also received a fine for not having a fishing licence and had fishing equipment, including a three-prong jigger, and six trout forfeited. He is banned from fishing any inland waters for a year. The charges were laid after IFEP officers carried out surveillance operations near the Wooddale Tree Nursery during the summer of 2006, where he was observed illegally jigging trout at Peter�s River.

So far this year, IFEP officers have dealt with 374 fish-related violations and have laid 277 related charges against 98 individuals. In addition to significant fines imposed by the courts, officers have seized 15 boats and 13 outboard motors, four vehicles and four ATVs during the 2007 campaign.

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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