Justice and Public Safety
January 5, 2015

Protecting the Province�s Natural Resources and Promoting Public Safety

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers Had a Busy Year in 2014

In 2014, fish and wildlife enforcement officers laid almost 1,200 charges in Newfoundland and Labrador for various offences ranging from fishing and hunting violations to the unsafe use of firearms and improper use of all-terrain vehicles. The number of charges laid represents an increase of 36 per cent over the 2013 violation numbers. The public also played an important role in helping officers carry out the division�s mandate by reporting suspicious activity. Last year, 625 complaints were received.

�Fish and wildlife enforcement officers work year-round in conditions that can be very challenging, to ensure that regulations respecting the hunting and fishing of Newfoundland and Labrador�s wildlife and fish are respected. The enthusiasm and professionalism that officers exhibit while carrying out their duties contribute significantly to the effort of ensuring that the province�s valuable natural resources can be enjoyed responsibly by current and future generations.�
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

Minister Manning noted that the implementation of mobile work stations was completed in 2014 allowing officers to spend more time in the field monitoring activities and carrying out investigations.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division would like to remind the public that they can play a significant role in assisting officers in protecting the province�s natural resources by reporting any suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously and toll-free at any time of the day, by calling 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 or www.nlcrimestoppers.com .

QUICK FACTS

• In 2014, fish and wildlife enforcement officers laid almost 1,200 charges for various offences related to hunting and fishing activities. Also, 625 complaints were received from the public.
• Mobile work stations have been installed in vehicles to allow officers to spend more time in the field investigating and monitoring and less time in the office performing administrative tasks.
• The public plays an important role in assisting officers in protecting the province�s wildlife and are encouraged to report any suspicious activity anonymously.

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Media contact:

Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2015 01 05                              11:50 a.m.