Update on 2006 Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program

The Department of Justice provided an update of the most recent fishing and non-fishing related charges to be laid against individuals under the 2006 Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program (IFEP).

Officers continue to have a positive impact as they deliver the IFEP. During the past week officers were successful in apprehending three individuals who are alleged to have been netting for salmon in Deer Lake on the province�s west coast. After extensive surveillance the officers arrested three individuals from the Pasadena area and seized a salmon net, and a boat and motor. Charges are pending for illegal possession of a net near inland waters as well as netting inland waters. A quantity of marijuana was also seized as part of this investigation and has been turned over to the Deer Lake RCMP for investigation.

A recent investigation on the province�s east coast resulted in two individuals being arrested for alleged breaches of fisheries infractions. The alleged offences occurred near the Colinet River in the St. Mary�s Bay area. The two were found to be in possession of five untagged salmon which are alleged to have been taken from the Colinet River that didn�t allow the retention of salmon at the time of the offence. In addition to the fishing offences the two also face a charge of obstruction. Fishing rods and tackle were also seized as part of this investigation.

Also on the west coast in the Hughes Brook area of the north shore of the Bay of Islands an individual from Ontario faces charges for illegal fishing. The alleged offences occurred last week and during the investigation a rod and reel and a small quantity of trout was seized. The individual is facing charges for fishing without a licence, fishing without a guide and illegal possession of trout.

To date officers have identified 231 fishing-related offences and anticipate laying 168 charges against 79 individuals, in addition they have issued 56 written warnings for fishing-related offences and there are seven charges pending further investigation. In addition officers have also identified 76 non-fishing related offences. Some of the major seizures relating to these offences include 20 illegal nets, 14 boats, one truck, two ATVs, 264 trout and 65 salmon. Large quantities of fishing-related equipment including rods and reels have also been seized.

Photo #1: Salmon seized by Inland Fisheries Enforcement Officers in the St. Mary's Bay area

Media contact: Bill Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2006 08 18                                          2:25 p.m.