Justice and Public Safety
June 30, 2015

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers Bust Two Separate Salmon Poaching Operations

Recent tips from the public about the illegal netting and selling of wild Atlantic salmon on the Baie Verte Peninsula have resulted in two males facing charges under the Federal Fisheries Act.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers from the Springdale office led an extensive surveillance operation in the Brent�s Cove area of the Baie Verte Peninsula. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers from Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville and Corner Brook detachments were also involved in the operation and were also supported by the Department of Fisheries and Ocean�s officer in Baie Verte. As a result, on June 27, 2015, two male adults were apprehended and will be charged for illegally netting salmon in coastal waters, and the illegal possession of salmon caught in contravention of the Federal Fisheries Act.

The two individuals in their 40s, both from Brent�s Cove, were apprehended on June 27 after they returned with salmon from their salmon net that they had illegally set. Officers seized equipment used by the men to carry out their illegal poaching operation. An extended cab P/U truck, a Polaris RzR side by side, boat and motor, net and 12 salmon were seized. Sixteen additional salmon that were alive were released by the officers.

Another bust occurred early this morning (Tuesday, June 30) when Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers from the Gander detachment responded to a tip on the stop poaching report line, near the community of Wareham in Bonavista Bay. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers, along with the assistance of River Guardians, apprehended a male suspect for illegally netting salmon. A net, boat and motor, as well as Atlantic salmon were seized. The accused was released to appear in court in Gander at a later date. A second suspect fled the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division would like to remind would-be poachers that it is committed to apprehending violators who threaten the province�s salmon and trout populations. With the public�s continued support, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement will continue to travel to all parts of the province regardless of the geographic challenges and enforce the legislation protecting our fish stocks.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province's resources and to ensuring that they remain available for those who respect legislation concerning the proper management and conservation of fish and game. The public can play a significant role in assisting officers in protecting the province's natural resources by reporting any suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously and toll-free at any time of the day, 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 .

- 30 -