Justice and Public Safety
October 31, 2016

Convictions in Gander Court for Illegal Netting and Jigging

Investigations conducted by officers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division have resulted in recent convictions in Gander Provincial Court.

On October 25, David Bennett of Port Albert and Shane Burt of Summerford were convicted of fishing Atlantic salmon during closed time and possession of Atlantic salmon caught in contravention of the Fisheries Act.

The convictions stem from an investigation on July 18, 2016, when Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers discovered an illegally set net while conducting a boat patrol near Port Albert. Both Mr. Bennett and Mr. Burt were apprehended the following day after officers observed them checking the net, retrieving Atlantic salmon and resetting the net.

Mr. Bennett was fined $3,500 for fishing during closed time and $1,000 for possession of fish caught in contravention. Mr. Burt was fined $2,500 and $1,000 respectively for the same offences. Both men are also prohibited from participating in recreational fishing for four years. One gill net and one Atlantic salmon were forfeited to the Crown.

Also on October 25, Edward Rowsell of Summerford was convicted of jigging and possession of Atlantic salmon. On August 10, an officer conducting surveillance observed Mr. Rowsell illegally jigging salmon on the Campbellton River.

Mr. Rowsell was fined $1,000 for the charge of jigging and an additional $500 for the illegal possession of Atlantic salmon. He is also prohibited from participating in recreational fishing for two years. Two Atlantic salmon were forfeited to the Crown.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province's resources and to ensuring they remain available for those who respect legislation concerning the proper management and conservation of fish and wildlife.

Suspicious activity can be reported anonymously and toll-free at any time, 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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2016 10 31            11:35 a.m.