The 2006 Inland Fish Enforcement Program (IFEP) field operations concluded last week and conservation officers seconded to the Department of Justice have now returned to their normal duties with the Department of Natural Resources. Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Honourable Tom Marshall, said the program was a success in its first season under the direction of the Department of Justice. "This program worked tremendously well under the management of the provincial Department of Justice and once again, made significant progress in targeting poaching and protecting the overall health of our salmon and trout populations."

Although responsibility for the enforcement of our inland waters rests with the federal government, in 2004 the Williams Government initiated the IFEP to ensure salmon and trout were receiving adequate protection.

The Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program has reported approximately 276 fishing related offences resulting in 189 charges being laid. Charges include; illegal netting, illegal possession of salmon, jigging of salmon and trout, exceeding possession limits, and fishing salmon with bait and fishing with tackle in scheduled waters. There are also charges pertaining to tagging and licensing offences including the guide regulations that fall under provincial legislation. There are 12 violations still pending further investigation. A large number of seizures were made including 20 illegal nets, 15 boats, three trucks, five A.T.V�s. Also seized were 66 salmon, 270 trout and a large quantity of fishing-related equipment.

In addition to the large number of violations detected for fish-related offences, officers have also identified 354 other offences. These offences fall under wildlife legislation, All Terrain Vehicle Regulations, Criminal Code, Fire Regulations and Migratory Bird Act. In total IFEP officers dealt with 630 offences.

Some of the fish-related cases have already been through the courts and have resulted in significant fines ranging from $1,300 to $6,000, jail sentences up to 60 days and prohibition from inland waters up to 10 years.

The IFEP began in early June and ran throughout the island and Southern Labrador. Officers assigned to the IFEP worked in cooperation with other agencies including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Department of Natural Resources, Canadian Wildlife Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and contract fisheries guardians. "I applaud the hard work and dedication of our enforcement officers and the contributions of other agencies in successfully delivering the 2006 program," concluded Minister Marshall. "Through this program, the Williams Government has clearly demonstrated its concern for this valuable resource and will continue efforts to see additional enforcement resources directed toward the protection of inland fish."

Photo #1: Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program team

Media contact:
Bill Hickey
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 691-6390
billyhickey@gov.nl.ca