Illegal salmon fishing activity in Labrador leads to convictions

The conservation efforts of the Department of Natural Resources in Labrador have resulted in several recent convictions for activity related to illegal salmon fishing. The charges were laid in 2005 by conservation officers assigned to the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program.

Jason D. Lane of Moncton, N.B. was convicted at Provincial Court at L�anse au Clair in April for being in possession of untagged salmon near Pinware River, Labrador. He was fined $500 and prohibited from angling for one month. The salmon was forfeited to the Crown.

Morton A. Verbiski of St. John�s was convicted at Provincial Court in St. John�s in March for possession of untagged salmon near the falls on the St. Lewis River, Labrador. He received a fine of $500 and was prohibited from angling for one month. The salmon was forfeited to the Crown.

Dennis Folkes of Grand Falls-Windsor was convicted at Provincial Court in Gander in January for being in possession of salmon not properly tagged at Pinware River, Labrador. He was fined $500 and was prohibited from angling for nine months.

Since 2004, government has increased its enforcement of inland fisheries poaching in an attempt to deter and reduce the impact of poaching throughout the province.

Media Contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 690-1703

2006 05 16                                     9:15 a.m.