Justice
July 10, 2009
Poaching on the Humber River Results in Significant
Penalties
In response to concerns expressed by local residents and conservation
groups about poaching activities on the Humber River near the spillway
at Deer Lake,
an extensive undercover investigation by Department
of Justice Inland Fish Enforcement officers has
resulted in significant fines and penalties. Commenced in 2007 Operation
Click resulted in eight individuals receiving fishing prohibitions
ranging from one to five years. As well, fines totalling more than
$20,000 have been imposed and a significant amount of equipment has been
forfeited.
Officers are continuing to respond to complaints of salmon poaching
and during the last two weeks, seven investigations involving illegal
netting in the Bay St. George and Notre Dame Bay areas have taken place.
These investigations resulted in 30 charges against nine individuals,
including the offences of illegal netting of Atlantic salmon, illegal
possession of salmon and obstruction of a peace officer. Also, 13
Atlantic salmon, a pick-up truck, an all-terrain vehicle, two boats, and
an assortment of fishing related equipment have been seized. Since
Inland Fish Enforcement commenced 2009 seasonal operations in May, a
total of 117 fish-related charges against 55 individuals have been
filed. Numerous offences involving all-terrain vehicles, hunting and
firearms violations have also been encountered.
The Inland Fish Enforcement team is mandated to protect inland fish
stocks and detect and apprehend poachers. The most recent statistics
available show that over 130,000 residents participate in recreational
fishing in this province each year with direct spending totalling more
than $95 million. Since 2004, the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador has invested over $10 million to protect valuable inland fish
resources.
The public is reminded they can anonymously report suspected poaching
of salmon or trout to either Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477), Inland
Fish Enforcement (709-637-2971) or via the Department of Justice
website: www.gov.nl.ca/just/inlandfish/violation.htm.
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NOTE: A photo to accompany this release is available on the News
Releases site at www.gov.nl.ca/releases or on the News Release Photos
site at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/gallery.
Media contact:
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 685-6612
