Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Investigation Leads to Arrests

Officers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division (FWED), with the assistance of officials of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), have halted an alleged illegal salmon-netting operation in the Bay L’Argent region on the Burin Peninsula.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers set up surveillance after receiving complaints of poaching in the area. As a result of the investigation, on May 17 two individuals were arrested and face several charges including the netting and illegal possession of salmon, as well as obstruction. Officials with DFO and the RCMP were instrumental in helping apprehend the suspects.

Equipment used in the alleged incident was also seized including two boats and two nets. The investigation is continuing and additional charges against other individuals are pending.

The public can play an important role in catching poachers by anonymously reporting suspected poaching activity 24-hours a day, toll-free to either Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or Fish and Wildlife Enforcement at 1-877-820-0999. 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
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2013 05 22                              11:25 a.m.