Justice and Public Safety
July 16, 2015

Non-Residents Charged for Allegedly Angling without a Guide in Labrador West

Three men from Nova Scotia are facing charges as the result of a recent investigation into allegations of illegal non-resident angling practices in Labrador West.

In the early afternoon of July 10, officers with the Wabush detachment of the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division were conducting surveillance in the Lobstick Lake area. During the patrol, the officers observed a man angling within 23 metres of the Lobstick Control Structure, a violation of The Fisheries Act.

Upon investigation, the man was identified as a non-resident from Nova Scotia and has also been charged with violating wildlife regulations requiring non-resident anglers to employ the services of licensed guide.

While investigating this matter, officers observed a small, inflatable boat briefly stop off a nearby point of land before continuing its approach to the launching area where they were located. A wire cage fish basket containing three dead lake trout was recovered from the area where the boat stopped.

The two men on this boat, both residents of Nova Scotia, have also been charged for allegedly failing to employ the services of a licensed guide.

Seized equipment used in the alleged violations includes:

• 1 Hydro Force inflatable boat;
• 1 Coleman 9.8HP outboard motor with gas tank;
• 3 Spinning rod and reels;
• 1 Tackle box with fishing lures;
• 1 Tackle bag with various fishing gear and lures;
• 1 Dip net;
• 1 Lake trout; and
• 1 Wire cage fish basket.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division 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 plays 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 .

- 30 -

Media contact:

2015 07 16                              10:50 p.m.