Justice
September 5, 2014

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers Continue to Enforce Regulations

August was another busy month for Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers in Newfoundland and Labrador as they continued to patrol the province’s wilderness and enforce legislation related to the protection of wildlife and the safety of residents.

On August 3, officers discovered three alleged violations on the Eagle River in southern Labrador. Two non-residents from Quebec were charged for fishing without a valid inland fishery licence and one resident of Cartwright was charged for guiding without a guides licence.

After receiving a tip from the public on August 4, officers from the Gander detachment conducted surveillance in the area of Norris Arm South. As a result, two individuals were apprehended and charged for illegally netting salmon in inland waters near the Exploits River. A gill net, 12-foot wooden row boat and four salmon were seized. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Gander at a later date.

On August 11, two individuals were convicted in Provincial Court in Clarenville for illegally netting salmon and for possession of fish caught in contravention. Both individuals received $3,000 fines. A boat and motor, a 300-foot net, one salmon, one cod and two American plaice were forfeited. All fines were directed to be paid to the Salmon Association of Eastern Newfoundland. These convictions stem from a June 22 investigation by officers of the Clarenville detachment.

On August 15, officers with the Gander detachment also apprehended an individual for illegally participating in the big game licence draw and providing false information. The investigation into this matter continues and charges are pending.

On August 18, an officer from the Grand Falls-Windsor detachment charged two individuals from Buchans with guiding without a guide’s licence.

On August 21, an officer with the Stephenville detachment charged an individual with possession of an improperly tagged salmon in the area of Little Codroy Lake.

On August 24, officers with the Clarenville Detachment charged two individuals near Southwest Brook, Bloomfield, with possession of untagged salmon and exceeding the daily bag limit for trout. An untagged salmon, 29 trout, four rods and a cooler were seized. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Clarenville at a later date.

In August, there were also a number of individuals ticketed for violations under the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicle Regulations. Offences included failing to wear a helmet and riding on a roadway.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division wishes to remind the public that officers are committed to apprehending those who violate the law and who threaten Newfoundland and Labrador’s world-class Atlantic salmon and trout populations. Officers continue to be active by travelling throughout all regions of the province to enforce legislation that protects fish stocks.

The public plays 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 .

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