Justice
June 24, 2014

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers Net Alleged Salmon Poachers

Two men are facing charges as the result of a recent investigation into illegal salmon poaching in the Trinity Bay region.

In the early morning hours of June 22, officers with the Clarenville detachment of the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division were conducting a boat patrol near the community of Southport, Trinity Bay. During the patrol, the officers discovered an illegally set salmon net and subsequently apprehended two men who have been charged with a number of offences including the netting and illegal possession of salmon. Both men were released and will appear in court at a later date.

Seized equipment used in the alleged incident includes a boat and outboard motor, and a 300-foot-long salmon net.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division continues to enforce both provincial and federal legislation pertaining to trout and Atlantic salmon this season, patrolling both inland and coastal waters.

The public plays a significant role in catching poachers and is encouraged to report suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously, 24-hours a day, by calling toll-free the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division at 1-877-820-0999, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous online reports can also be submitted at www.stoppoaching.ca EXTERNAL or www.nlcrimestoppers.com EXTERNAL.

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Photo 1: A boat and outboard motor that were seized as the result of an investigation into illegal salmon fishing in the Trinity Bay area.

Photo 2: A 300-foot long net that was seized as the result of an investigation into illegal salmon fishing in the Trinity Bay Area.

Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2014 06 24                                        2:20 p.m.