Justice
June 18, 2014

Fish and Wildlife Officers Report a Busy Week of Salmon Poaching Enforcement

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers have apprehended a number of individuals alleged to have been involved in three separate salmon netting offences throughout the province this past week. Three of these investigations were the direct result of information received from residents concerned about protecting salmon stocks.

In the early morning hours this past Thursday, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers observed two unknown individuals setting and later removing salmon from a net in Locks Harbour, Seal Bay. Through several interviews, the individuals were identified and both men are facing several charges under the federal Fisheries Act. Two salmon and a net were seized.

Early Saturday morning, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers working together with officers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans apprehended one man in the community of Rushoon on the Burin Peninsula. The man is facing charges of illegal netting and possession of salmon. A wooden row boat was seized along with a 200 foot net and a quantity of salmon.

Also on Saturday morning near Fitzgerald's Pond in the Placentia area, officers apprehended one man and two youth for the illegal netting and possession of salmon. A boat, motor, net, and quantity of Atlantic salmon were seized.

There were a number of other salmon related violations this past week, including the following:

• One man was charged with illegal possession of a large salmon and tagging violations on the Harrys River near Gallants. One salmon and all fishing equipment were seized.
• Three men were charged with tagging violations and illegal possession of salmon in the Main Stem of Exploits River. All angling equipment and two salmon were seized.
• A non-resident was apprehended while angling in South Brook, Halls Bay, without the services of a guide. All fishing equipment was seized.
• Two men were apprehended with tagging violations in the Bay of Islands area. Two salmon and equipment were seized.
• A man was apprehended in South Brook, Halls Bay area, for illegal possession of a large salmon and altered tags. The salmon and fishing equipment were seized.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division wishes to remind would-be poachers that officers are committed to apprehending those who violate the law and threaten Newfoundland and Labrador’s world-class salmon and trout populations. Throughout the summer, officers will continue to travel in all regions of the province to enforce legislation that protects fish stocks.

The public can play a significant role in catching poachers and is encouraged to report any suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously and toll-free at any time of the day, by calling the Fish and Wild 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 or www.nlcrimestoppers.com .

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division would like to thank those concerned citizens who continue to report illegal activity and encourage others to do the same.

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