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Justice
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
September 1, 2010

Inland Fish Enforcement Program Expands to Further Protect Labrador Fish Stocks

World-class fish stocks in Labrador will be further protected due to an investment of approximately $900,000 by the Williams Government. This significant investment will fund seven additional Inland Fish Enforcement (IFE) officers to be stationed in Wabush, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Cartwright which will extend the current enforcement season and expand the scope of the program.

"Labrador is renowned for its remarkable fish stocks, and it is our responsibility as a government to be stewards of this resource and ensure it is protected for future generations," said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "This investment will continue the Provincial Government's efforts to see enforcement resources directed toward the protection of Labrador's salmon, trout and Arctic char stocks. Inland Fish Enforcement will continue to work with conservation groups, anglers and Aboriginal groups to ensure that this resource is protected for all Labradorians. "

The seven new officers will bring the total number of positions in Labrador to 13. With this added investment, the province will have 48 IFE officers dedicated to protecting the province's inland fish stocks.

"Today's announcement supports the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador's objective to increase the number of conservation officers through the Inland Fish Enforcement Program," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "Protecting the fish habitat of Labrador has become more challenging with the opening of Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, resulting in ready access to the southern interior. With more people travelling and vacationing throughout Labrador, it is imperative that we continue working to safeguard this treasured natural resource."

Generations of Labradorians have relied on healthy salmon, trout and Arctic char stocks for recreational and food fisheries. Sport fishing is also a critical component of Labrador's tourism and outfitting industry, drawing people from around the world to fish each year. The latest available figures show that the 23 outfitting lodges in Labrador focusing on angling contributed over $16 million to the local economy, providing 130 full-time seasonal jobs. With proper stewardship, protection and support, these figures could rise substantially.

"The province's enforcement measures through the IFE program have proven to be very successful, and our government has received a lot of positive feedback from conservation groups and anglers on the success of these efforts since the start of our investment in IFE in 2004," added Minster Collins. "I applaud the hard work and dedication of our enforcement officers. Their collaborative efforts are no doubt having a positive impact on our fish stocks. "

The Inland Fish Enforcement Program was established by the Williams Government in 2004 to send a clear message that the province would act quickly and decisively to apprehend poachers and others who abuse this resource. Since then, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $13 million toward the protection of the province's inland fish stocks.

For further information on Inland Fish Enforcement visit www.stoppoaching.ca.

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Media contacts:

Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2010 09 01                                                      9:45 a.m.


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