Salmon Preservation Association for the Waters of Newfoundland

http://www.stoppoaching.ca

BUSTED!!

Surveillance operations by Inland Fish Enforcement (IFE) officers are continuing to keep Newfoundland and Labrador inland fish stocks safe from poachers. In recent weeks, IFE has dismantled nine illegal netting operations, resulting in the seizure of four boats and three outboard motors, 14 illegal nets and a significant quantity of salmon and trout.

So far this year, IFE officers have dealt with 210 violations and laid charges against 80 individuals for fish-related offences. In addition, officers have laid charges against 76 individuals for a range of wildlife, ATV and firearms violations. As well, since January of this year, fines resulting from IFE operations exceed $25,000.

IFE investigations into alleged illegal netting over the last four weeks include the following:

- On July 23, three individuals were apprehended near the community of Peterview in the Bay of Exploits for netting Atlantic salmon. Officers seized two nets and five Atlantic salmon;

- On July 21, near Pound Cove on the Baie Verte Peninsula, officers arrested one individual for netting salmon in coastal waters and seized nets and six large salmon;

- Officers apprehended two individuals near the community of Dover, Bonavista Bay, on July 11, for netting salmon and trout in coastal waters. Officers seized a boat and outboard motor, nets, and a quantity of salmon and trout;

- Separate investigations into netting in coastal waters on the Northern Peninsula led to arrests and seizures. On June 29, officers arrested three individuals near Englee, seizing a boat, nets and related equipment. On July 5, near Flower's Cove, officers seized a boat and outboard motor, and a variety of fishing equipment, including nets; and,

- On July 7, two individuals were apprehended for being in possession of a salmon net near Harry's River in the Bay St. George area on the province's west coast.

IFE officers wish to remind anglers of the importance of properly, and immediately, cutting and removing the date of retention on their salmon tag, noting that it is an offence to possess an Atlantic salmon that is not properly tagged. While compliance with the newly developed salmon tag has been extremely positive and well received, there have been instances where individuals have not been complying with salmon licence conditions. Tags must be immediately and securely locked through the gills and mouth of retained salmon, and the month and day must immediately be clearly cut out of the vinyl portion of the tag. So far this year, officers have seized 25 Atlantic salmon, fishing rods and associated licences related to improperly tagged salmon.

The public are reminded that they can anonymously report suspected poaching activity 24-hours a day, toll free at 1-877-820-0999. To view photos of seizures relating to recent operations or to learn more about Inland Fish Enforcement and how to help, visit www.stoppoaching.ca.

Some of the IFEP 2010 Seizures (plus boats/motors/other gear). Well done boys!

Pound Cove Seizure

Improperly Tagged Salmon

Another Pound Cove Seizure

On July 5, 2010 at Provincial Court in Stephenville, NL, Gregory Alexander of Stephenville Crossing, NL was convicted of netting for salmon in coastal waters, possession of a net near inland waters and obstruction of an officer. He received a total fine of $1,500.00 and was prohibited for 2 years from coastal and inland waters. All items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown including an illegal salmon net and bag. Mr. Alexander was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers on May 22, 2010 near the community of Stephenville Crossing, NL.

On July 5, 2010 at Provincial Court in Stephenville, NL, Charles Barron of Stephenville Crossing, NL was convicted of netting for salmon in coastal waters, possession of a net near inland waters and obstruction of an officer. He received a total fine of $1,500.00 and was prohibited for 2 years from coastal and inland waters. All items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown including an illegal salmon net and bag. Mr. Barron was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers on May 22, 2010 near the community of Stephenville Crossing, NL.

On June 28, 2010 at Provincial Court in Corner Brook, NL, Hubert Head of Jacksons Arm, NL was convicted of fishing for salmon during close time, catching salmon by means of a net and possessing fish caught in contravention. He received a total fine of $2,500.00 and was prohibited for 3 years from fishing and holding a fishing licence. He was also prohibited from Canadian fishing waters for a period of 3 years other than commercial travel. All items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown including five Atlantic salmon, a salmon net and boat. Mr. Head was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers during a surveillance operation on July 22, 2009 near the community of Jacksons Arm, NL.

On June 22, 2010 at Provincial Court in Rocky Harbour, NL, Darren McKenzie of Norris Point, NL was convicted of catching salmon by means of a net in coastal waters and possessing fish caught in contravention. He received a total fine of $1,400.00 and was prohibited from all Canadian waters for a period of 2 years. All items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown including a wooden boat with a 9.9 hp outboard motor, illegal salmon net, a knife, dip net, fishing rods, Atlantic salmon, trout and mackerel. Mr. McKenzie was apprehended by provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers with assistance from DFO officers on July 15, 2009 near the community of Norris Point, NL.

On May 25th at Provincial Court in Gander, NL, Gary Potter of Campbellton, NL, was convicted of using a line equipped with more than one hook and attempting to jig salmon. He received a total fibe of $3,000 and was prohibited for 3 years from inland and coastal waters. Mr.Potter was apprehended by IFE officers during Operation "Double Claw", an undercover operation conducted on the Campbellton River by IFE during the summers of 2007 and 2008

On February 1, 2010 at Provincial Court in St. Anthony, NL, Eric Young of Quirpon, NL was convicted of illegally netting Atlantic salmon in coastal waters. He received a total fine of $2,750.00 fine and was prohibited from being within 10 metres of any Canadian Fisheries Waters and from holding a recreational fishing licence for a period of 3 years. Items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown. Mr. Young was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers on July 9, 2009 who were conducting a surveillance operation near Quirpon Island on the Northern Peninsula.

On February 1, 2010 at Provincial Court in St Anthony, NL, Marcel Pilgrim of Main Brook, NL was convicted of possessing Atlantic salmon caught in contravention. He received a $1,500.00 fine. Mr. Pilgrim was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers on June 26, 2009 near the community of Main Brook, NL.

On February 1, 2010 at Provincial Court in St. Anthony, NL, Whitfield Pilgrim of Main Brook, NL was convicted of failing to release Atlantic salmon. He received a $1,500.00 fine. Mr. Pilgrim was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers on June 26, 2009 near the community of Main Brook, NL.

On January 19, 2010 at Provincial Court in Corner Brook, NL, Maurice Head of St. John's, NL was convicted of illegally netting Atlantic salmon in coastal waters, fishing salmon during close time and possessing salmon caught in contravention. He received a total fine of $3,500.00 and was prohibited for 5 years from fishing or holding a recreational fishing licence and from being at or near Canadian fishing waters except for employment purposes or commercial travel. All items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown including five Atlantic salmon, a salmon net and boat. Mr. Head was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers during a surveillance operation on July 22, 2009 near the community of Jacksons Arm, NL.

On January 19, 2010 at Provincial Court in Corner Brook, NL, Gordon Head of Jacksons Arm, NL was convicted of illegally netting Atlantic salmon in coastal waters, fishing salmon during close time and possessing salmon caught in contravention. He received a total fine of $3,500.00 and was prohibited for 5 years from fishing or holding a recreational fishing licence and from being at or near Canadian fishing waters except for employment purposes or commercial travel. All items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown including five Atlantic salmon, a salmon net and boat. Mr. Head was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers during a surveillance operation on July 22, 2009 near the community of Jacksons Arm, NL.On January 12, 2010 at Provincial Court in Grand Bank, NL, Warren Lockyear of Lamaline, NL was convicted of failing to affix an inland fishery licence tag and possessing an Atlantic salmon that was not properly tagged. He received a $400.00 fine and was prohibited from holding an inland fishery licence for a period of one year.  Items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown. Mr. Lockyear was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers on July 18, 2009 near the Salmonier Lamaline River.

Also on January 12, 2010 at Provincial Court in Grand Bank, NL, Darrell Lockyear of Point au Gaul, NL was convicted of possessing an Atlantic salmon that was not properly tagged. He received a $500.00 fine and was prohibited from holding an inland fishery licence for 5 years. Items seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown. Mr. Lockyear was apprehended by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers on July 18, 2009 near the Salmonier Lamaline River.