Justice and Public Safety
July 27, 2015

Fish and Wildlife Officers Lay More Charges for Salmon Poaching

Recent tips from the public about the illegal netting and selling of Atlantic salmon in the Harry’s Harbour area near Springdale in central Newfoundland, have resulted in two males facing charges under the Federal Fisheries Act.

Earlier this month, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers from the Springdale and Grand Falls-Windsor detachments initiated a lengthy surveillance operation in the Harry’s Harbour area that spanned several weeks. As a result, two adult males were apprehended on July 16 and charged for illegally netting salmon in coastal waters, as well as for possession of illegal salmon. As a result of the incident, officers seized two all-terrain vehicles, a net and three Atlantic salmon.

In an unrelated incident, two males were apprehended on the Exploits River on July 15 for violations of the Fish and Wildlife Act including improper tagging and for being over the daily bag limit.

Also on July 7 at Provincial Court in St. Anthony, Leon Pilgrim of St. Anthony Bight pled guilty to illegally netting Atlantic salmon and was fined $2,000. In addition to his fine, Mr. Pilgrim is prohibited from travelling on any coastal waters for a period of three years and cannot hold a recreational fishing licence for the same period. Two nets and two Atlantic salmon were ordered forfeited to the Crown as a result of the incident.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division would like to remind would-be poachers that officers are committed to apprehending violators who threaten the province’s salmon and trout populations. With the public’s continued support officers will continue to travel throughout the province to enforce the legislation.

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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