Justice and Public Safety
May 7, 2015
Salmon Netting Leads to Convictions and Significant Fines
An investigation by officers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division into the illegal netting of salmon in the Carmanville area has resulted in the conviction of two individuals for various offences.
In late summer 2014, officers received complaints from the general public related to the netting of salmon in the Shoal Pond – Ragged Harbour River area of central Newfoundland. After conducting surveillance, officers apprehended two males on September 5 who were found to be in possession of six untagged Atlantic salmon. Both were charged with a number of offences under the Fish and Wildlife Act.
At Provincial Court in Gander on May 5, 2015, Harvey Hodder of George’s Point and Clarence Jones of Musgrave Harbour were convicted for illegally netting Atlantic salmon. Both Mr. Hodder and Mr. Jones were prohibited from being on inland waters and from fishing on inland waters for three years and also prohibited from holding any fishing licence for three years. Mr. Jones was fined $3,000 while Mr. Hodder received a $2,500 fine. Six Atlantic salmon and a backpack were forfeited to the Crown.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province's resources and to ensuring that they remain available for those who respect legislation concerning the proper management and conservation of fish and game. The public 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 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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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
2015 05 07 12:00 p.m.