Justice and Public Safety
September 2, 2015

Off-Duty Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers Apprehend Alleged Salmon Poachers

A recent incident in central Newfoundland has led to charges against two individuals for salmon poaching.

On Sunday, August 30, two off duty Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers encountered two adult males in the Bottom Brook area near Lewisporte who appeared to be illegally jigging salmon. Upon investigation, the officers discovered that the men were apparently corralling salmon into a pool and then using illegal equipment to jig the fish. When the officers attempted an arrest, one of the men fled on foot but was apprehended after a short pursuit.

As a result of the investigation, the officers located three salmon on the shoreline and found seven additional salmon concealed in a bag nearby. The two men were charged with a number of violations of the Federal FIsheries Act and released to appear in Provincial Court at a later date. The 10 salmon, a three-pronged jigger and fishing line were seized.

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

2015 09 02                             9:35 a.m.