Justice and Public Safety
July 20, 2016
Fish and Wildlife Officers Apprehend Serious Salmon and Trout Abusers
Recent tips from the public, along with routine patrols, led to officers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division (FWED) apprehending several suspects who are now facing a number of charges related to illegal poaching.
On Monday, June 20, officers with the Gander detachment received information from the public that there was illegal netting activity occurring in the Deadman�s Bay area. During surveillance officers, observed two male adults retrieving salmon from the net. One male was apprehended however, the driver of the ATV fled the scene. Officers retrieved the ATV, which had one untagged Atlantic salmon on board. Charges are pending. FWED are asking for the public�s assistance in identifying the operator of the ATV who fled the scene.
On Friday, June 24, officers with the Corner Brook detachment were conducting a coastal boat patrol near the community of Sops Arm when they spotted a net in a cove near the community. The following morning, officers observed a lone male checking the net and apprehended him. As a result of the arrest a white open speed boat with motor, salmon net and one cod fish were seized. Charges are pending.
On Tuesday, July 5, officers with the Grand Falls-Windsor detachment acted on a complaint of salmon poaching at Trout Lake near Point Leamington. Officers travelled to the site where they encountered a lone male who was in possession of an untagged Atlantic salmon, along with two unlicensed rifles and ammunition. All items, including a fly rod, salmon, firearms and ammunition were seized. Charges are pending.
Officers from the Springdale detachment were conducting routine patrols in the Paddock�s Bight area of Notre Dame Bay on Thursday, July 7, when they observed two illegal salmon nets in the water. Officers surveyed the area and the following morning arrested two males from Roberts Arm. An ATV, one boat, two salmon nets, four Atlantic salmon and various other fish species were seized. Charges are pending.
Also, on Thursday, July 7, officers from the Labrador West detachment stopped a vehicle in the area of Salt Lake, exiting the boat launch, with two male adults inside and conducted an inspection. Officers determined the occupants were significantly over their possession limit for brook trout/Ouananiche. Items seized include three Ouananiche, 20 brook trout, a 14-foot aluminum boat, two outboard motors and all fishing equipment. Charges are pending.
Monday, July 11, officers from the Stephenville detachment were successful in apprehending three adult males, all from Stephenville Crossing, for netting Atlantic salmon in Flat Bay Brook, St. George's Bay. As a result of the investigation, officers seized an SUV, a net and six Atlantic salmon. Charges are pending.
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
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
2016 07 20 11:30 a.m.