Justice and Public Safety
February 2, 2016

Safeguarding our Resources

Officers See Record Number of Violations in 2015

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers of the Department of Justice and Public Safety had a particularly busy year in 2015 in their efforts to ensure that people in Newfoundland and Labrador enjoyed the province�s natural resources in a safe and legal manner. Also during 2015, officers continued to be engaged in community events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics, numerous Christmas parades and toy drives, community cleanups, and frequent visits and presentations to schools, youth and user groups.

�Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers regularly work around the clock in some of the most challenging and uncomfortable conditions imaginable. Their efforts, dedication and work ethic are to be commended as they strive to protect the province�s abundant natural resources while also ensuring that those who participate in outdoor activities do so safely and legally. I also welcome their efforts to become more visible in the community through their work with charities such as the Special Olympics.�
- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

Officers, with the assistance of hundreds of tips from the public, took action on more violations than ever in 2015. In total, 1,499 violations were noted representing a 26 per cent increase over 2014 (when there were 1,191 violations) and a 96 per cent increase over 2013 (when there were 763 violations). Particularly concerning to officers were:

• An increase in the number of firearms violations. The 271 incidents recorded in 2015 resulted in charges for incidents such as carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm from a highway;
• The 152 violations related to moose hunting were almost double the number from 2014 when there were 77 violations recorded by officers.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division remains committed to ensuring the public�s safety through the enforcement of all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile legislation. The scale and frequency of ATV-related injuries in children, youth and adults continues to be a concern and since 2004, those numbers have continued to rise, with an overall increase in the hospitalization rate for all age groups.

�We wish to thank the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador for continuing to report suspected illegal activity and helping to protect the province�s valuable fish and wildlife resources. All residents have a role to play in guaranteeing that these resources can be enjoyed for current and future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.�
- Hayward Taylor, Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division

The public plays an increasingly important role in assisting officers in carrying out their duties. In 2015, the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division received nearly 600 public complaints via its Report Poaching 24/7 telephone line and website. Tips or complaints can be provided 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 .

QUICK FACTS

• Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers had their busiest year ever in 2015 in terms of the number of violations that were recorded related to illegal hunting, fishing and ATV use.
• In total, 1,499 violations were noted in 2015 representing a 26 per cent increase over 2014 (when there were 1,191 violations) and a 96 per cent increase over 2013 (when there were 763 violations).
• Officers are particularly concerned with the increasing number of firearms violations and incidents related to moose hunting.
• The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division continues to encourage the public to assist them in protecting the province�s wildlife and fish resources through reporting suspicious activity anonymously either online or by phone.

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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

2016 02 02                             3:35 p.m.