Justice and Public Safety
January 12, 2017

Fish and Wildlife Investigations Result in Significant Fines

Investigations conducted by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers in Labrador have resulted in recent convictions for offences related to illegal fishing.

On December 15 at Provincial Court in Wabush, Zachery Hicks and Jamie Butt each received a fine of $4,000 for exceeding the possession limit for brook trout and ouananiche. In addition to the significant fines, the individuals, both from Labrador City, received five year fishing prohibitions and various items related to the offences were forfeited to the Crown, including three ouananiche, 20 brook trout, four fishing rods and reels, a cooler and a tackle box.

Charges were laid when officers from the Labrador West detachment stopped a vehicle on July 7, 2016, in the Sail Lake area north of Churchill Falls as it was exiting a boat launch. Officers determined the occupants were significantly over the possession limit for brook trout and ouananiche as set out in the Federal Fisheries Act.

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

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