Peter Emberley's Posts - Totally Outdoors NL2024-03-28T14:45:10ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberleyhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2532789090?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=2k34zozdh15yv&xn_auth=noWorkshop For Youthtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2019-06-09:4509340:BlogPost:2152242019-06-09T14:43:07.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p><a href="http://http://vocm.com/news/workshops-offered-to-teach-safety-to-young-hunters-and-anglers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://http://vocm.com/news/workshops-offered-to-teach-safety-to-young-hunters-and-anglers/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://http://vocm.com/news/workshops-offered-to-teach-safety-to-young-hunters-and-anglers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://http://vocm.com/news/workshops-offered-to-teach-safety-to-young-hunters-and-anglers/</a></p>Letter to the minister concerning Moosetag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2019-03-27:4509340:BlogPost:2147012019-03-27T14:04:39.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Please feel free to copy, paste and email, mail, phone or message the minister through Facebook. Let him know how you feel. Feel free to add to it or create your own message. Please be respectful in your message. Please message the minister, the more messages the better and stronger the voice. Our hunting heritage is in all of our hands.</p>
<p>Hon. Gerry Byrne<br></br> Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources<br></br> Minister's Office<br></br> Tel: (709) 729-3705<br></br> Fax: (709) 729-0360<br></br> Email:…</p>
<p>Please feel free to copy, paste and email, mail, phone or message the minister through Facebook. Let him know how you feel. Feel free to add to it or create your own message. Please be respectful in your message. Please message the minister, the more messages the better and stronger the voice. Our hunting heritage is in all of our hands.</p>
<p>Hon. Gerry Byrne<br/> Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources<br/> Minister's Office<br/> Tel: (709) 729-3705<br/> Fax: (709) 729-0360<br/> Email: flrminister@gov.nl.ca</p>
<p>Dear Minister,</p>
<p>I am writing this message because I am concerned for our Fish and Wildlife.</p>
<p>My concerns are the Health and Population of "OUR" Moose Herd.</p>
<p>At one time in our provinces history we had one of the finest Wildlife Divisions in North America. The scientific knowlege that our biologists and wildlife techs had learned, was sought after the world over. Our wildlife division was respected everywhere wildlife was managed for a sustainable future.</p>
<p>Sadly those days are gone. The Newfoundland Wildlife Division that had commanded respect from all over the world was dismantled and done away with. Our Fish and Wildlife management pushed to the backburner and all but forgotten. This has happened while hunters and outdoors people trusted our provincial government to do the right thing and protect "OUR" Fish and Wildlife for the present and the future. Hunters and outdoors people are expressing great concern for "OUR" moose herd.</p>
<p>I have spoken with many hunters and like minded outdoors people, across the province and listened to their concerns about out moose population. The concensus is that our moose population is in decline. To be blunt and honest, we are tired of the way our greatest natural resource has been treated by this government. We can not stand by and watch our hunting hertiage be destroyed any longer. We have a lifetime of hunting heritage behind us and we want a lifetime of hunting for our children. not to mention the thousands of people that flock to our province for hunting opportunites and to expierence the natural beauty of our province.</p>
<p>Moose hunting generates tens of millions of dollars in our economy, at a time that our economy is failing and businesses are closing, OUR PROVINCE NEEDS THIS MONEY. People lives and livelyhood are intertwined with the health of the species. To ensure a sustainable hunt for the future, we need the science back in the management of our moose herd. We need to know the health, the population and affects of predation on "OUR" moose herd. All these factors are important for a sustainable future. There seems to be money for other areas,(for example aquaculture). There needs to be a dedicated fund, where our licening money goes, specifically for wildlife management. Let me assure you, the 100,000 or so hunters feel that hunting is well worth protecting.</p>
<p>We all want safe roads, a protected environment and we also want a government that will not only commit but follow through to providing scientific studies and protection for our fish and wildlife.</p>
<p>I am encouraging all fellow hunters and outdoors people to contact the minister's office and let you know how we, the voting, tax paying and hunting public feel.</p>
<p>I am also encouraging the 100 thousand plus hunters and outdoors people to vote for a party that will encourage scientific study thats promotes a healthy and sustainable hunt for the future.</p>
<p>Sincerely,<br/> Peter Emberley</p>ASP Recommends Halting Food Fishery In Light Of Declining Cod Stockstag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2018-04-21:4509340:BlogPost:2117412018-04-21T08:44:41.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>The Association of Seafood Producers is calling for an end of the food fishery in light of declining cod stocks.</p>
<p>The ASP made the recommendation as part of its proposal to DFO’s management plan.</p>
<p>Despite the moratorium, the latest science shows that cod stocks have failed to recover from levels they were when the moratorium was imposed over 20 years ago.</p>
<p>Executive Director of the Seafood Producers, Derek Butler says others are on the same page. He says very little is…</p>
<p>The Association of Seafood Producers is calling for an end of the food fishery in light of declining cod stocks.</p>
<p>The ASP made the recommendation as part of its proposal to DFO’s management plan.</p>
<p>Despite the moratorium, the latest science shows that cod stocks have failed to recover from levels they were when the moratorium was imposed over 20 years ago.</p>
<p>Executive Director of the Seafood Producers, Derek Butler says others are on the same page. He says very little is known about how many fish are removed from the water as a result of the recreational groundfish fishery.</p>
<p>He says DFO has clearly stated they do not know how many fish are caught as a result of the recreational fishery.</p>
<p>Butler says he doesn’t believe the food fishery will be cancelled altogether, but it’s time that some kind of action be taken to seriously address declining numbers.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Vocm News</p>N.L. lowers legal hunting age to 12, improves access for hunters with disabilitiestag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2017-10-27:4509340:BlogPost:2089372017-10-27T19:42:31.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>In an effort to get more young people out hunting, Newfoundland and Labrador is lowering the minimum age for both small and big game licences.</p>
<p>The new age limits were announced Friday along with other changes to the Wildlife Act and regulations, including efforts to help those with disabilities have better access to hunting and angling.</p>
<p>The minimum age to shoot small game, coyotes and other furbearing animals has been lowered from 16 to 12, and the minimum age to shoot big game…</p>
<p>In an effort to get more young people out hunting, Newfoundland and Labrador is lowering the minimum age for both small and big game licences.</p>
<p>The new age limits were announced Friday along with other changes to the Wildlife Act and regulations, including efforts to help those with disabilities have better access to hunting and angling.</p>
<p>The minimum age to shoot small game, coyotes and other furbearing animals has been lowered from 16 to 12, and the minimum age to shoot big game has been lowered from 18 to 16.</p>
<p></p>
<p>"Including young people in our outdoor heritage, access to our hunting experiences, that's been something that other provinces, other jurisdictions have enjoyed for quite some time," said Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources.</p>
<p>"It's something that's been asked for not just by young people but by parents here in Newfoundland and Labrador."</p>
<p>New age requirements come into effect immediately, but young hunters will only be permitted to use a gun under the supervision of a qualified adult.</p>
<p>Early big game draw application dates will be in effect for next year's season, to allow hunters and trappers more time to plan for the season.</p>
<h2>More accessible hunting</h2>
<p>Changes were also announced to make it easier for people with a disability to hunt and fish in the province.</p>
<p>They include giving people with a disability first dibs on moose put down by conservation officers for humane or public safety reasons.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As well, hunters designated by a disabled person to shoot under their licence will be allowed to be 800 metres away, or in line of sight, whichever is greater.</p>
<p>People with disabilities will also be given priority access to firearm safety training in 2018-19.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img src="http://www.cbc.ca/i/regional/v11/img/cbclogo_sprite.png" alt="cbc masthead logo"/></p>2017 Newfoundland Recreational Cod Fisherytag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2017-05-19:4509340:BlogPost:2058332017-05-19T15:06:49.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
NEW No Changes To Food Fishery This Year: McDonald<br />
<br />
May 19, 2017 | 11:14 am<br />
<br />
The federal government has decided to stay the course when it comes to this year’s food fishery, but licensing may be introduced next year.<br />
<br />
MP Ken McDonald made the announcement this morning in Holyrood.<br />
<br />
The federal government had been contemplating the introduction of a tags program for the recreational groundfish fishery, a notion that was widely condemned during a series of public consultations.<br />
<br />
This year’s…
NEW No Changes To Food Fishery This Year: McDonald<br />
<br />
May 19, 2017 | 11:14 am<br />
<br />
The federal government has decided to stay the course when it comes to this year’s food fishery, but licensing may be introduced next year.<br />
<br />
MP Ken McDonald made the announcement this morning in Holyrood.<br />
<br />
The federal government had been contemplating the introduction of a tags program for the recreational groundfish fishery, a notion that was widely condemned during a series of public consultations.<br />
<br />
This year’s fishery will be the same as last year’s, which saw the season extended by 14 days.<br />
<br />
DFO says it is considering the introduction of a marine recreational fishing licence – without the use of tags – next year. Consultations on that idea will take place throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec over the coming year.<br />
<br />
VOCM NewsMay Long Weekendtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2016-05-21:4509340:BlogPost:2002262016-05-21T04:02:01.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
Hi Folks,<br />
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The official start of summer. Please be safe this weekend, don't drink and drive, don't drink and ride. If you're out on the water be safe and wear a personal flotation device, it could save yours or a family members life. Enjoy and have a wonderful and safe weekend.
Hi Folks,<br />
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The official start of summer. Please be safe this weekend, don't drink and drive, don't drink and ride. If you're out on the water be safe and wear a personal flotation device, it could save yours or a family members life. Enjoy and have a wonderful and safe weekend.Piebald moose on Newfoundland's west coast not albinotag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2015-10-13:4509340:BlogPost:1947652015-10-13T12:27:05.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543995325?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543995325?profile=original" width="300"></img></a></p>
<p>A large, mainly-white moose spotted recently on Newfoundland's west coast, has garnered the interest of photo buffs and the provincial wildlife department. </p>
<p>Wayne Barney, a species management coordinator with the Newfoundland and Labrador wildlife division, told the <em>St. John's Morning Show</em> Thursday that the male moose is not albino as many…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543995325?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543995325?profile=original" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>A large, mainly-white moose spotted recently on Newfoundland's west coast, has garnered the interest of photo buffs and the provincial wildlife department. </p>
<p>Wayne Barney, a species management coordinator with the Newfoundland and Labrador wildlife division, told the <em>St. John's Morning Show</em> Thursday that the male moose is not albino as many think.</p>
<p>The animal has been seen most often near Stephenville, and in the Port au Port area.</p>
<p>"It's what we refer to as a piebald moose, which is more than a spotty pigmentation as compared to albino, which would be completely white," Barney said.</p>
<p>"It's obvious that there's a genetic influence on the moose population that's localized in that area, that's producing these types of reflections in the offspring, as compared to the greater part of Newfoundland where the likelihood of an encounter of those types of genes would be a lot lower."</p>
<h2>You won't be able to get this moose b'y </h2>
<p>Barney said albino moose are rare, with one in 100,000 being a common example.</p>
<p>"It's almost impossible to verify what the true odds of those genetic factors coming together to produce an albino animal. Two albino parents can produce an albino offspring, but most of the times it's associated with a recessive gene, meaning that the two parents will not have any expression of albinism at all," he said.</p>
<blockquote class="pullquote"><span class="pullquote-quotation">'It's what we refer to as a piebald moose, which is more than a spotty pigmentation as compared to albino, which would be completely white.'</span> <cite class="pullquote-source">- Wayne Barney</cite></blockquote>
<p>"There are lots of animals that are white out there, The weasel will go from brown in the summertime to white in the wintertime; ptarmigan will often do it. These are not the same genetic drivers that are driving albinism."</p>
<p>Barney said, in case anyone thinks the west coast moose will be fair game during hunting season, they're out of luck.</p>
<p>"In this area, in <a href="http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/hunting/pdf/MMA_43_y2011_m07_d04_17_by_22.pdf">Moose Management Area 43</a>, which we refer locally as the Port au Port Peninsula, we do have legislation that prohibits the taking of a moose that is predominantly white in colour. That covers the piebald or any albino animal as well," Barney said.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><span class="font-size-6" style="color: #ff00ff; text-decoration: underline;">CBC NEWS</span></strong></em></span></p>Two Men Accused of Shooting Moose from the TCH in the Middle of the Nighttag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2015-09-17:4509340:BlogPost:1941402015-09-17T02:16:42.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Two men from Wareham, Bonavista Bay are facing charges after allegedly shooting a moose on the Trans Canada in the middle of the night. Wildlife officers received numerous complaints last Friday night, September 11th, the night before the official start of the hunting season of possible night hunting along the TCH.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>RCMP also fielded complaints that same night about vehicles impeding traffic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just after midnight on Saturday, September 12th, officers apprehended…</p>
<p>Two men from Wareham, Bonavista Bay are facing charges after allegedly shooting a moose on the Trans Canada in the middle of the night. Wildlife officers received numerous complaints last Friday night, September 11th, the night before the official start of the hunting season of possible night hunting along the TCH.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>RCMP also fielded complaints that same night about vehicles impeding traffic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just after midnight on Saturday, September 12th, officers apprehended two men who had allegedly shot a moose on the side of the highway just east of Gander. The men are facing charges of hunting during a closed time, using an artificial light to hunt big game, and shooting from the highway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The moose, two rifles and ammunition, two big game licences and tags, and a knife were seized. The men are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Vocm News</p>Tips lead to string of salmon poaching busts in central Nfld.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tips-lead-to-string-of-salmon-poaching-busts-in-central-nfld-1.3189467tag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2015-08-15:4509340:BlogPost:1935142015-08-15T15:01:26.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<h1 class="story-title" id="yui_3_11_0_1_1439650774736_29">Tips lead to string of salmon poaching busts in central Nfld.</h1>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tips-lead-to-string-of-salmon-poaching-busts-in-central-nfld-1.3189467" target="_blank">http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tips-lead-to-string-of-salmon-poaching-busts-in-central-nfld-1.3189467</a></p>
<h1 class="story-title" id="yui_3_11_0_1_1439650774736_29">Tips lead to string of salmon poaching busts in central Nfld.</h1>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tips-lead-to-string-of-salmon-poaching-busts-in-central-nfld-1.3189467" target="_blank">http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tips-lead-to-string-of-salmon-poaching-busts-in-central-nfld-1.3189467</a></p>Recreational Cod Fishery Opens This Weekendtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2015-07-15:4509340:BlogPost:1925732015-07-15T01:50:26.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p></p>
<p>The recreational cod fishery will begin this weekend.</p>
<p>The summer food fishery will run from this Saturday until Sunday, August 9th and the fall fishery is scheduled for Sept. 19 to the 27th.</p>
<p>The personal limit is five fish per day, with a maximum boat limit of 15 groundfish.<br></br>DFO is asking participants to check their catches for pink or yellow tags located on the back of the fish. The tags are uniquely numbered and have a reward value ranging from $10-$100.</p>
<p>If…</p>
<p></p>
<p>The recreational cod fishery will begin this weekend.</p>
<p>The summer food fishery will run from this Saturday until Sunday, August 9th and the fall fishery is scheduled for Sept. 19 to the 27th.</p>
<p>The personal limit is five fish per day, with a maximum boat limit of 15 groundfish.<br/>DFO is asking participants to check their catches for pink or yellow tags located on the back of the fish. The tags are uniquely numbered and have a reward value ranging from $10-$100.</p>
<p>If the tags are returned with the recapture information, the reward can be claimed.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Vocm News</p>Raft of Charges for Men Accused of Illegally Netting Salmon in Lumsdentag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2015-07-15:4509340:BlogPost:1923572015-07-15T01:48:49.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p></p>
<p>Two men on an ATV were stopped by Fish and Wildlife officers near the community last Tuesday, July 7th. Officers seized 13 untagged salmon, but not before the passenger of the vehicle tried to toss them away. The officers suspected that the driver of the ATV was impaired and called in RCMP who made an arrest.<br></br> <br></br>Fish and Wildlife officers later found a net in nearby Windmill Bight Brook and set up surveillance in the area. Later that day the camera caught a man on an ATV…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Two men on an ATV were stopped by Fish and Wildlife officers near the community last Tuesday, July 7th. Officers seized 13 untagged salmon, but not before the passenger of the vehicle tried to toss them away. The officers suspected that the driver of the ATV was impaired and called in RCMP who made an arrest.<br/> <br/>Fish and Wildlife officers later found a net in nearby Windmill Bight Brook and set up surveillance in the area. Later that day the camera caught a man on an ATV arrive on the scene and pull the net, which contained 24 salmon, from the water. Officers apprehended the man who it turns out was the same one stopped earlier that morning and charged with impaired.<br/> <br/>Two ATVs were seized, 37 salmon, and one round of 12-gauge ammunition.<br/> <br/>The men are facing a slew of charges and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.</p>
<p>Vocm News</p>Two Fined, Banned for Illegal Hunting and Fishingtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2015-05-21:4509340:BlogPost:1916142015-05-21T13:39:59.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Two Fined, Banned for Illegal Hunting and Fishing</p>
<p>Two people have been convicted and fined for illegal fishing and hunting activity thanks to the efforts of provincial Fish and Wildlife officers.</p>
<p>A Glenwood man was convicted after an investigation into illegal netting in the Salmon Pond area near Glenwood. He was fined $3,000 and is prohibited from being within 10 metres of inland waters for four years. He is also prohibited from holding any fishing licence for four…</p>
<p>Two Fined, Banned for Illegal Hunting and Fishing</p>
<p>Two people have been convicted and fined for illegal fishing and hunting activity thanks to the efforts of provincial Fish and Wildlife officers.</p>
<p>A Glenwood man was convicted after an investigation into illegal netting in the Salmon Pond area near Glenwood. He was fined $3,000 and is prohibited from being within 10 metres of inland waters for four years. He is also prohibited from holding any fishing licence for four years.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, a man from Summerford was convicted in Gander court for hunting big game without a licence. He was fined $1,000 and was banned from hunting for five years.</p>
<p></p>
<p>VOCM News</p>Parents charged after underage kids drive off-road vehiclestag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2015-05-21:4509340:BlogPost:1915152015-05-21T13:36:55.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>RCMP in Deer Lake say they have charges pending against four parents who let their underage children ride off-road vehicles unsupervised.</p>
<p>Police said the pending charges under the Motorized Snow Vehicles/All-Terrain Vehicles Act relate to an incident on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Officers encountered five young people, under the age of 16, who were riding dirt bikes within town boundaries without adult supervision.</p>
<p>The RCMP said there has been an ongoing problem of people driving…</p>
<p>RCMP in Deer Lake say they have charges pending against four parents who let their underage children ride off-road vehicles unsupervised.</p>
<p>Police said the pending charges under the Motorized Snow Vehicles/All-Terrain Vehicles Act relate to an incident on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>Officers encountered five young people, under the age of 16, who were riding dirt bikes within town boundaries without adult supervision.</p>
<p>The RCMP said there has been an ongoing problem of people driving ATVs and off-road vehicles within the town for months.</p>
<p>Police said they're concerned that someone will end up seriously injured or killed in an accident.</p>
<p>The RCMP has advised parents that it is their legal obligation to be familiar with the laws concerning the operation of off-road vehicles.</p>
<p>CBC News</p>Young Cancer Survivor Searching for Missing Puppytag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-11-29:4509340:BlogPost:1865722014-11-29T00:07:41.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>A young woman from Lewisporte is desperately trying to find her missing beagle puppy she got after ending cancer treatments. Samantha Martin, 22, has battled a very tough form of cancer, neuroblastoma, which she was diagnosed with in 2011. Coping with the surgeries and chemo, Martin says she needed something to take comfort in, and decided to get a dog.</p>
<p>Martin says throughout her cancer she wanted something to look forward to and hold on to. She says to lose the dog already is…</p>
<p>A young woman from Lewisporte is desperately trying to find her missing beagle puppy she got after ending cancer treatments. Samantha Martin, 22, has battled a very tough form of cancer, neuroblastoma, which she was diagnosed with in 2011. Coping with the surgeries and chemo, Martin says she needed something to take comfort in, and decided to get a dog.</p>
<p>Martin says throughout her cancer she wanted something to look forward to and hold on to. She says to lose the dog already is heartbreaking.<br/> <br/> The aggressive treatment Martin had caused her to go through early menopause at age 22. She says now she cannot have children, and so getting a pet was important for her. She only had the beagle, named Sophie, for a short time before she got out and went missing on Sunday.<br/> <br/> Martin says in addition to her offering a $500 reward for Sophie's return, others have come forward to generously donate towards the reward. The cash reward is now at $1,000 plus a donated hunting rifle.</p>
<p>She says she is very grateful for the support and generosity of the people who are helping out with the reward. Martin lives in Lewisporte and Sophie is though to be in that area.<br/> <br/> The Facebook group Finding Sophie can be found here.<br/> <br/> Numbers to call: 535-6716, 541-3006, 743-2901, or 541-0633.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543964568?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543964568?profile=original" width="295" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543964739?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543964739?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>VOCM</p>Weather Sucks Again For the weekendtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-10-30:4509340:BlogPost:1859482014-10-30T16:43:33.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p><a href="http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=50406&latest=1">http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=50406&latest=1</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=50406&latest=1">http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=50406&latest=1</a></p>Black Bears Sighted Around Centraltag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-10-28:4509340:BlogPost:1858452014-10-28T18:38:15.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p></p>
<p>Residents of Central Newfoundland are being warned of black bears.</p>
<p>The department of Natural Resources says black bears have been reported in Gambo, Hare Bay, Indian Bay, Traytown, and Glovertown. Traps have been placed, and conservation officers were successful in relocating one bear from Traytown.</p>
<p>To avoid attracting bears to communities, residents are asked to ensure garbage is properly stored, and not put outside until collection day. If you come in contact with a…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Residents of Central Newfoundland are being warned of black bears.</p>
<p>The department of Natural Resources says black bears have been reported in Gambo, Hare Bay, Indian Bay, Traytown, and Glovertown. Traps have been placed, and conservation officers were successful in relocating one bear from Traytown.</p>
<p>To avoid attracting bears to communities, residents are asked to ensure garbage is properly stored, and not put outside until collection day. If you come in contact with a bear, officials say try to remain calm, back slowly away from the animal, do not run and avoid eye contact.</p>
<p>VOCM News</p>Dates Set for Vale NL Illegal Dumping Trialtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-10-17:4509340:BlogPost:1854542014-10-17T23:06:53.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Dates Set for Vale NL Illegal Dumping Trial</p>
<p>Future court dates have been set for a case involving allegations of illegal dumping by Vale Newfoundland and Labrador. Lawyers appeared for status this morning at provincial court.<br></br> <br></br>The company is facing three charges stemming from the alleged release of waste into Anaktalak Bay, near Voisey's Bay mine site in 2011. Vale has been charged with one count of unlawfully depositing a deleterious substance in water, one count of failing…</p>
<p>Dates Set for Vale NL Illegal Dumping Trial</p>
<p>Future court dates have been set for a case involving allegations of illegal dumping by Vale Newfoundland and Labrador. Lawyers appeared for status this morning at provincial court.<br/> <br/>The company is facing three charges stemming from the alleged release of waste into Anaktalak Bay, near Voisey's Bay mine site in 2011. Vale has been charged with one count of unlawfully depositing a deleterious substance in water, one count of failing to report the deposit of a deleterious substance, and one count of breaching the Federal Fisheries Act.<br/> <br/>Though the trial began in May, a voir dire was called to determine if certain evidence is admissible in court. The voir dire proceedings are scheduled for December 1-3, and 10-11.</p>
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<p>COURTESY OF, VOCM News</p>Few TCH Motorists Heeding Moose Warning: RCMPtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-10-17:4509340:BlogPost:1854522014-10-17T23:03:20.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Few TCH Motorists Heeding Moose Warning: RCMP</p>
<p>For motorists who use the Trans Canada Highway each day, its not an uncommon sight to see a moose or two, but this morning was an exception for one VOCM listener, who felt compelled to phone in a warning for other motorists.</p>
<p>The caller said that during a ride from Gander to Port Blandford this morning he saw 13 moose, many of them standing in the middle of the road.</p>
<p>But according to the RCMP, despite repeated warnings, many…</p>
<p>Few TCH Motorists Heeding Moose Warning: RCMP</p>
<p>For motorists who use the Trans Canada Highway each day, its not an uncommon sight to see a moose or two, but this morning was an exception for one VOCM listener, who felt compelled to phone in a warning for other motorists.</p>
<p>The caller said that during a ride from Gander to Port Blandford this morning he saw 13 moose, many of them standing in the middle of the road.</p>
<p>But according to the RCMP, despite repeated warnings, many drivers just don't listen. Constable Denis Hann patrols the TCH on the Avalon.</p>
<p>He says your reaction time is severely diminished when you drive over the speed limit. Today he and his partner stopped several motorists going in excess of 150 km/h.</p>
<p>Hann says one of the best ways to avoid an accident with a moose is to slow down, especially when its dark.</p>
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<p>COURTSEY OF, Fred Hutton VOCM Local News Now.</p>Moose Huntingtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-10-04:4509340:BlogPost:1850592014-10-04T00:00:00.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543965041?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543965041?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>Good luck on Saturday. Hope everyone has a safe, successful and enjoyable hunting season.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543965041?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2543965041?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>Good luck on Saturday. Hope everyone has a safe, successful and enjoyable hunting season.</p>Moose class-action lawsuit dismissed, province found not liabletag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-09-26:4509340:BlogPost:1847992014-09-26T12:32:31.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Moose class-action lawsuit dismissed, province found not liable</p>
<p>Judge Robert Stack has dismissed the moose-vehicle collision class-action lawsuit against the Newfoundland and Labrador government, finding the province not liable.</p>
<p>The class-action lawsuit for people injured in moose-vehicle collisions that was filed against the provincial government has been dismissed by a judge with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.</p>
<p>Judge Robert Stack rendered the decision…</p>
<p>Moose class-action lawsuit dismissed, province found not liable</p>
<p>Judge Robert Stack has dismissed the moose-vehicle collision class-action lawsuit against the Newfoundland and Labrador government, finding the province not liable.</p>
<p>The class-action lawsuit for people injured in moose-vehicle collisions that was filed against the provincial government has been dismissed by a judge with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.</p>
<p>Judge Robert Stack rendered the decision on Friday morning. The provincial government was found not liable for moose-vehicle collisions.</p>
<p>Crown lawyer and expert witness clash during moose lawsuit<br/>Setback for complainants in moose collision case<br/>According to Stack's decision, the people who put the class action lawsuit together argued there is evidence of serious negligence in the research by officials, leading to an "irrational" policy or one that was made in bad faith.</p>
<p>However, Stack said there is no evidence to prove that moose population management or moose-vehicle collision risk mitigation were irrational or done in bad faith. As a result, government is immune from a negligence lawsuit.</p>
<p>"The province, of course, is glad to hear that [Stack's decision]," said Transportation and Works Minister Nick McGrath.</p>
<p>"We felt that we put up a strong case in the courts and obviously the judge felt the same, so we were pleased to hear that the case has been dismissed and taken out of the courts."</p>
<p>'Moral victory'</p>
<p>St. John's lawyer Ches Crosbie launched the class-action lawsuit in January 2011, claiming the provincial government is to blame for failing to control the moose population.</p>
<p>Crosbie said Friday while the case was dismissed, it was an "enormous moral victory" for the plaintiffs.</p>
<p>"The government won in a court of law, but lost in the court of public opinion," said Crosbie.</p>
<p>"Most of the public thinks government must take action on the moose collision issue, and government is finally about to do so. It would not be taking action without the lawsuit."</p>
<p>Crosbie added he intends to appeal the court's decision.</p>
<p>Other measures being researched</p>
<p>McGrath added the province is "committed to mitigating," as many moose-vehicle collisions as possible.</p>
<p>The decision comes on the same day the provincial government admitted the Trans-Canada Highway moose sensor pilot project didn't work as planned.</p>
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<p>Highway moose detector down almost half the time, documents say<br/>Moose detection system out of order<br/>The sensors were installed in July 2011, but McGrath said they were working only about 40 per cent of the time.</p>
<p>McGrath said the sensors cost the province roughly $1.5-million, and despite the track record, he said they weren't a waste of money.</p>
<p>"They were more expensive than originally thought, but again it was a part of a pilot project. And in order to see if it is going to work in our province, you have to make investments. We feel it was a wise investment for the pilot project, and now you go forward," he said.</p>
<p>He added installing moose fencing along the highways would cost government about $125,000 per kilometre, and the province has approximately 10,000 kilometres of roadway — which would mean about 20,000 kilometres of fencing.</p>
<p>McGrath said his department is in the process of putting together a presentation on the pilot project for government to decide how to move forward.</p>
<p>CBC NEWS</p>
<p> Click here for full story, <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/moose-class-action-lawsuit-dismissed-province-found-not-liable-1.2771971">http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/moose-class-action-lawsuit-dismissed-province-found-not-liable-1.2771971</a></p>Big Game Hunting Season Opentag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-09-13:4509340:BlogPost:1846122014-09-13T22:57:08.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Big Game Hunting Season Open</p>
<p>It's the first day of the annual big game hunting season in central and western regions of the island and Labrador. The eastern region big game season will open on October 4th, while small game and trapping will open in the coming weeks.<br></br> <br></br> <br></br> <br></br>Sunday hunting is permitted between October 5th and April 30th in all areas, if hunters have a valid licence and the season for the game being hunted is open. New hunters interested in the big game…</p>
<p>Big Game Hunting Season Open</p>
<p>It's the first day of the annual big game hunting season in central and western regions of the island and Labrador. The eastern region big game season will open on October 4th, while small game and trapping will open in the coming weeks.<br/> <br/> <br/> <br/>Sunday hunting is permitted between October 5th and April 30th in all areas, if hunters have a valid licence and the season for the game being hunted is open. New hunters interested in the big game licence draw for 2015 must complete the Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course by November 30th of this year.<br/> <br/>Information on hunting season and bag limits is subject to change from year to year, and all hunters and trappers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the information contained in the new Hunting and Trapping Guide.</p>
<p>VOCM NEWS</p>Bear in Trap Left in Tim Hortons Parking Lottag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-08-21:4509340:BlogPost:1836532014-08-21T23:31:46.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>The Department of Natural Resources says it is taking the situation involving a black bear that was left briefly in a trap in the parking lot of a Tim Hortons in Happy Valley-Goose Bay earlier this week very seriously. Video taken by customers shows the animal in a bear trap attached to a department truck, parked in the lot. The bear appears agitated, and is shown moving restlessly inside the trap.<br></br> <br></br>A department spokesperson says they are aware of the situation and the matter is…</p>
<p>The Department of Natural Resources says it is taking the situation involving a black bear that was left briefly in a trap in the parking lot of a Tim Hortons in Happy Valley-Goose Bay earlier this week very seriously. Video taken by customers shows the animal in a bear trap attached to a department truck, parked in the lot. The bear appears agitated, and is shown moving restlessly inside the trap.<br/> <br/>A department spokesperson says they are aware of the situation and the matter is being addressed internally. The department says the bear was released without harm in a safe location.</p>
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<p>VOCM News</p>Rare white moosetag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-08-19:4509340:BlogPost:1838412014-08-19T20:00:00.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Barry Sweetland and John McCarthy spotted this rare white moose feeding along the moose fence a few kilometres past the Stephenville exit on the Trans-Canada Highway earlier this week.</p>
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<p><span class="font-size-6" style="color: #ff0000;">Click on the link to watch the video</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.nlnewsnow.com/Video/33094/Rare-white-moose" target="_blank">http://www.nlnewsnow.com/Video/33094/Rare-white-moose</a></p>
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<p>Bill Langer was driving from…</p>
<p>Barry Sweetland and John McCarthy spotted this rare white moose feeding along the moose fence a few kilometres past the Stephenville exit on the Trans-Canada Highway earlier this week.</p>
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<p><span class="font-size-6" style="color: #ff0000;">Click on the link to watch the video</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.nlnewsnow.com/Video/33094/Rare-white-moose" target="_blank">http://www.nlnewsnow.com/Video/33094/Rare-white-moose</a></p>
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<p>Bill Langer was driving from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia when he spotted something you don't see too often — a white moose.</p>
<p>Langer said he was past Stephenville June 15 when he saw the moose near the end of a fence constructed to keep moose off the highway. Langer says the animal stayed for about five minutes and did not seem to mind at all.</p>
<p>He said it was the first time he had seen a white moose and said it was "very amazing."</p>
<p>Though it's not known if this particular moose is the same one, the Newfoundland government gave special protection to a white moose on the Port au Port Peninsula back in 2002.</p>
<p>A news release from that time said, "Sightings of this particular moose are common and local residents have assumed a stewardship responsibility towards this unique animal."</p>
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<p></p>What it means to be a Newfoundlander is quickly changingtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-08-17:4509340:BlogPost:1836322014-08-17T03:04:04.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p><span>Property values have tripled since I moved home to St. John’s 15 years ago. Condos are replacing old strip malls and abandoned buildings at a steady clip. Even former premier Danny Williams is getting in on the action, spearheading a 970-hectare residential/retail/industrial development.What was a row of unoccupied downtown storefronts and low-end retail when I was at university here in the 1980s is now awash with trendy shops selling Labradorite bracelets for $500 and coffee bars…</span></p>
<p><span>Property values have tripled since I moved home to St. John’s 15 years ago. Condos are replacing old strip malls and abandoned buildings at a steady clip. Even former premier Danny Williams is getting in on the action, spearheading a 970-hectare residential/retail/industrial development.What was a row of unoccupied downtown storefronts and low-end retail when I was at university here in the 1980s is now awash with trendy shops selling Labradorite bracelets for $500 and coffee bars serving Espresso con panna and Aztec Chili Hot Chocolate.</span></p>
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<p>There are also restaurants like Raymond’s, where customers can order up a seven-course meal featuring Newfoundland cod ($135), paired with wines chosen by the in-house sommelier ($85).</p>
<p>God knows we were due for a break. The long-time butt of jokes about backwardness and outmigration, Newfoundland and Labrador is finally bringing people <em>to</em> the area because of a steady economic boom fuelled by multibillion-dollar developments in offshore oil, hydroelectricity and nickel processing.</p>
<p>But while oil execs tuck into their gourmet fish, much of rural Newfoundland is falling deeper into a crisis that began with the cod moratorium in 1992.</p>
<p>A “temporary measure” when it was imposed, the moratorium is now into its 22nd year. And the most isolated of the province’s outports – some are still accessible only by sea – are reeling without the cod that made them possible. The only influx of cash on the horizon for many locals is a government cheque for leaving their homes. By this time next year, some of the island’s oldest villages will probably be abandoned. It’s anyone’s guess how many will have disappeared a decade from now.</p>
<p>Hard times and a sense of shared adversity used to be one of the things Newfoundlanders had in common. But the map is being radically redrawn these days and we are, increasingly, a province of two solitudes.</p>
<p>Traditional Newfoundland – a world of isolated, tightly knit communities that relied on the fishery and each other for survival – is still at the heart of our conception of ourselves, of how we present ourselves to the world. But with every passing year, that conception has less to do with the reality on the ground. A generation from now, what it means to be a Newfoundlander will be something altogether different.</p>
<p>Earlier this summer, I visited some outports on a cruise ship operated by an Ontario company that specializes in trips to out-of-the-way destinations. I was the resident culturalist on board, hired to help “interpret” the place to travellers from as far afield as Europe and Australia. The tourists signed on for the chance to see the remarkable physical landscape, the icebergs and whales and seabirds. And also to experience traditional Newfoundland, to meet people whose families have lived in the same isolated communities for two centuries.</p>
<p>One of our first ports of call was Little Bay Islands, for many years a centre of the cod fishery in the region – and the hometown of one of the ship’s staffers, Gerry Strong, who offered a guided walk “up around shore.”</p>
<p>Gerry was born into the merchant family that ran the local fish trade here through much of the last century. “Strong’s Room,” as it was known, included the buildings where the fish was cleaned and salted, and an entire hectare of fish flakes where the cod was set out to dry. Rail tracks ran the length of the flakes, to help lay out the fish in the morning and collect it again at the end of the day.</p>
<p>Trading vessels from Europe and the Mediterranean sailed into Little Bay Islands in the fall to buy the salt cod. Gerry’s father often fell asleep listening to the Greek sailors drinking and playing music on their ships in the harbour. When Gerry was a boy, he played in a large sandbox filled with ballast from trading ships that came to the outport from as far away as India and Egypt.</p>
<p>That incarnation of Little Bay Islands – vibrant, self-sufficient, oddly cosmopolitan – ceased to exist some time ago. Most of the younger residents have left to find work elsewhere. Many houses sit empty. Islanders have to take a three- to four-hour round trip by ferry to buy groceries or see a doctor. The school here still operates, but there is only a single student. The most action the gymnasium sees is when the Women’s Home League lays out a feed for visiting tourists.</p>
<p>And much of the talk over partridgeberry pie and toutons was about “resettlement.” A referendum was held here last winter, with 55 of the 69 voters in favour of leaving Little Bay Islands for good.</p>
<p>“We knows we have to go,” said one woman, who admitted she had never lived anywhere else.</p>
<p>I asked how old she was.</p>
<p>“Eighty-two this year.”</p>
<p>“Where will you go?”</p>
<p>She laughed. “I haven’t got a clue.”</p>
<p>But that resignation isn’t unanimous. Among the dissenters is Gerry Strong’s old babysitter, a retired nurse who moved back to Little Bay Islands after a 30-year career in Montreal.</p>
<p>“This is not over,” she told me. And she looked ready for a fight.</p>
<p><strong>A $270,000 moving bonus</strong></p>
<p>It’s not a new fight. Sixty years ago, the Joey Smallwood government launched the first hamfisted resettlement program to drag the province into the 20th century.</p>
<p>New to Confederation and Canada’s cradle-to-grave social programs, Mr. Smallwood faced the near-impossible task of delivering modern conveniences such as roads and electricity, as well as health and education services, to 1,200 communities scattered along 29,000 kilometres of coastline.</p>
<p>Reaching the province’s smallest and most remote outports was so impractical that households were paid between $300 and $600 to move to a more central community. From 1954 to 1965, 30,000 people from 300 outports relocated. In 1965, the government’s resettlement package increased to $1,000 per family, plus $200 per dependent. An additional 20,000 people left behind 148 outports in the decade that followed.</p>
<p>But if it was technically a “voluntary” program, resettlement was mired in controversy. In the hundreds of outports that accepted packages, there was rarely universal assent. Neighbours and relatives were pitted against one another. Coercion and intimidation, subtle or otherwise, poisoned friendships and families. Many people moved under duress and lived the rest of their days in a kind of internal exile.</p>
<p>It’s a touchy subject, still.</p>
<p>And after an extended period of dormancy, resettlement is making a comeback, fuelled by chronic unemployment in the fishery and an aging demographic. After a lengthy and acrimonious internal debate, Great Harbour Deep on the Northern Peninsula took a government package to relocate in 2002. Petites was abandoned in 2003. The residents of Grand Bruit, also on the south coast, followed suit in 2010.</p>
<p>The modern version of resettlement is different in this crucial respect: the government is happy to facilitate the process, but only when outport residents make the request. Withdrawal of power generation, regular ferry runs and other essential services to unsustainable communities is a long-term economic win – but the government isn’t about to “force” relocation on anyone.</p>
<p>Instead, they’re sweetening the pot. Last year’s provincial budget nearly tripled the cash incentive per household from $100,000 to $270,000. The requirement that a decision to resettle be unanimous was also set at a more workable 90 per cent.</p>
<p>All this hasn’t set off the mad rush to move that some might have expected, but the numbers and interest are growing.</p>
<p>Round Harbour on the Baie Verte Peninsula has voted in favour of the move. The Department of Municipal Affairs has met with residents of south coast communities Gaultois and McCallum, and has working files for Snook’s Harbour on Random Island, William’s Harbour in southern Labrador and Nipper’s Harbour on the Baie Verte Peninsula. La Poile, also on the south coast, has set up a resettlement committee and residents are filling out official “expression of interest” forms.</p>
<p>Barring a sudden recovery of the cod stocks, what we’re seeing now is likely the thin edge of the wedge.</p>
<p><strong>What is lost</strong></p>
<p>It was raining steadily as we steamed toward Francois (usually pronounced <em>Fran-sway</em>) on the south coast. The 600-foot headlands disappeared in fog above us.</p>
<p>I’ve done a half-dozen circumnavigations, and on each Francois has been a favourite stop. Tiered on steep hills at the foot of a stunning fjord, it looks and feels like something out of another world, another time. First settled in the late 1700s, it is one of the communities that successfully resisted the Smallwood resettlement program. There are no cars and no roads. Residents are able to travel to the nearest town by snowmobile during the winter, otherwise the only access is by boat. Less than a hundred people still live here, a handful fewer each time we visit.</p>
<p>I’ve alway thought of this community as a microcosm of Newfoundland’s place in the world before Confederation: singular and inaccessible and largely unknown. Francois, and hundreds of other outports like it, are the crucible in which the distinct linguistic and cultural character of Newfoundland was formed.</p>
<p>Buchans, the central Newfoundland mining town where I was raised, is an anomaly in the province – a community nowhere near salt water, its residents all from “somewhere else.” But both of my parents were raised in outports, as were all of their friends and neighbours. No one ever locked or knocked on a door. We had no blood relatives in town, but I was surrounded by people I called uncle and aunt, to acknowledge a tie that felt familial. Even as a youngster I recognized that “the outport” had made these people who they were.</p>
<p>The accents around me reflected this: Some people dropped their aitches, some added haitches. Isolated from the larger world and from one another, each of Newfoundland’s bays developed dozens of distinct dialects. Even now, 60 years into standardized education, in a time when every child is raised on 200 mainland cable channels, it’s still possible to identify where someone is from by the particular idiosyncrasies of their speech.</p>
<p>That isolation, coupled with dependence on an industry as fickle and dangerous as the cod fishery, also bred a distinctly Newfoundland character – a peculiar mix of self-reliance and fatalism, a long-suffering acquiescence to larger forces that can look to mainland eyes like defeatism; a flahoolic generosity and love of a good time, an irreverent sense of humour, a well-known gift of the gab. “If you don’t want any part of engaging conversation,” one of our expedition staff warns passengers, “don’t make eye contact with a Newfoundlander.”</p>
<p>The people who lived in Buchans carried the outport with them when they moved inland to work the mines. Through their influence, the outport shaped me as well, though I didn’t spend more than a few weeks a year near the ocean. Even as the fishery has diminished over recent decades, even as more and more Newfoundlanders move to the mainland or to larger urban centres on the island, the culture and character of the people remains remarkably unchanged.</p>
<p>But there’s a question troubling me as I enjoy my bacon-wrapped scallop and spinach salad downtown in St. John’s, watching another BMW drive by: How far can the outport travel before we lose it altogether?</p>
<p>Ashore in Francois, we wandered the warren of paths in the continued downpour. The most adventurous slogged their way to the lookout at Charlie’s Head. Except for our local guides the weather kept folks inside, and the town felt nearly abandoned.</p>
<p>There was a reception at the Community Hall, where we dried out and dug into a lunch of bakeapple tarts and molasses buns. I sat with three of the women who prepared the food and the conversation turned, inevitably, to resettlement. There was an “internal” vote on the issue over the winter, but there wasn’t “enough interest” at the time, one of the women told me.</p>
<p>I asked if she thought it would happen eventually.</p>
<p>“Oh it will,” she said. “It might be next year. Or 10 years from now. But it will happen.”</p>
<p>It’s a sad fact of life that the disappearance of these and other outport communities won’t alter much about the world at large. The GDP won’t change, the oil boom will carry on pumping money into provincial coffers, the northeast Avalon will continue to be swallowed by cookie-cutter suburbs. In almost every way we quantify such things, their absence will make no difference. But the loss we’re facing is real, if subtler and harder to measure.</p>
<p>It may be true that we won’t be poorer without them. But we will be, intangibly and inevitably, something less.</p>
<p><em>Michael Crummey is a novelist in St. John’s. His book</em> Sweetland, <em>about a community faced with resettlement, is in stores Aug. 19.</em></p>
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<p class="byline">MICHAEL CRUMMEY</p>
<p class="creditline">ST. JOHN’S — SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL</p>Officers Cracking Down on Illegal Fishingtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-08-12:4509340:BlogPost:1835492014-08-12T12:33:56.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division is cracking down on the illegal fishing of Atlantic salmon and trout in the province. 17 people were charged in the month of July alone. VOCM's Katie Beehan reports.</p>
<p>The charges began on July 15th, when a non-resident was charged in Labrador for fishing violations. A second non resident was charged two days later on similar offences. Also on the 17th, two people were found to be in possession of seven Atlantic salmon, which were illegally…</p>
<p>The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division is cracking down on the illegal fishing of Atlantic salmon and trout in the province. 17 people were charged in the month of July alone. VOCM's Katie Beehan reports.</p>
<p>The charges began on July 15th, when a non-resident was charged in Labrador for fishing violations. A second non resident was charged two days later on similar offences. Also on the 17th, two people were found to be in possession of seven Atlantic salmon, which were illegally netted.<br/> <br/>From the 21st to the 23rd, a total of eight individuals were charged with offences ranging from illegal jigging to possessing Atlantic salmon that were not properly tagged. On July 25th, a Deer Lake resident was detained and charged for illegal possession of Atlantic salmon.</p>
<p>On the 27th, an individual from Sops Arm, White Bay and another from Alberta were arrested in the early morning hours for illegally netting Atlantic salmon in coastal waters. The following day, an individual actually attempted to flee from officers in Seal Cove, White Bay, but was ultimately apprehended for the possession of a net near inland waters and obstruction. Finally, on July 30th, a Port aux Basques resident was detained at Codroy River for illegal possession of a large Atlantic Salmon.</p>
<p>The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division say they will continue to enforce legislation to protect fish stocks.</p>
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<p>VOCM News</p>Buchans Advising after Coyote Sightingstag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-08-01:4509340:BlogPost:1829862014-08-01T22:09:00.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
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<p>The Town of Buchans has issued an advisory to residents about coyotes spotted in the town over the last few days. They remind people to stay clear of the animals and to ensure that children not approach a coyote. Residents are also reminded to ensure the proper storage of garbage and not to leave garbage bags out overnight. Feeding or baiting the animals is against the law.<br/> <br/>Any sightings should be reported to council or the Wildlife office in Springdale.</p>
<p>Vocm</p>
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<p>The Town of Buchans has issued an advisory to residents about coyotes spotted in the town over the last few days. They remind people to stay clear of the animals and to ensure that children not approach a coyote. Residents are also reminded to ensure the proper storage of garbage and not to leave garbage bags out overnight. Feeding or baiting the animals is against the law.<br/> <br/>Any sightings should be reported to council or the Wildlife office in Springdale.</p>
<p>Vocm</p>More Salmon Rivers Closingtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-07-22:4509340:BlogPost:1829412014-07-22T20:49:02.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Click here for up to date info. <a href="http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/River-Status/In-Season">http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/River-Status/In-Season</a></p>
<p>Click here for up to date info. <a href="http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/River-Status/In-Season">http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/River-Status/In-Season</a></p>Lyme-infected ticks identified on islandtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-07-17:4509340:BlogPost:1826882014-07-17T20:35:26.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
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<p>Ticks carrying Lyme disease are on the move on the island of Newfoundland, lab tests have confirmed.</p>
<p>Dr. Hugh Whitney, Newfoundland and Labrador's chief veterinary officer, said 19 deer ticks have been discovered so far this summer.</p>
<p>Four of them tested positive for Lyme disease, which can cause rashes, fevers and muscle pain in humans.</p>
<p>"The advice is to, if you're walking in areas of long grass, or with your legs exposed, to look afterwards to see if there are…</p>
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<p>Ticks carrying Lyme disease are on the move on the island of Newfoundland, lab tests have confirmed.</p>
<p>Dr. Hugh Whitney, Newfoundland and Labrador's chief veterinary officer, said 19 deer ticks have been discovered so far this summer.</p>
<p>Four of them tested positive for Lyme disease, which can cause rashes, fevers and muscle pain in humans.</p>
<p>"The advice is to, if you're walking in areas of long grass, or with your legs exposed, to look afterwards to see if there are any ticks on you," Whitney told CBC News.</p>
<p>"They can be relatively small to quite visible and it takes them about 36 hours … before they can actually affect you."</p>
<p>There have been sporadic reports of Lyme disease in Newfoundland and Labrador. The disease had not been found in Canada until the 1980s.</p>
<p>Lyme disease can usually be treated with a prescription of antibiotics.</p>
<p>Whitney said pet owners should be vigilant since ticks mostly attach themselves to pets.</p>
<p>Infected pets lose their appetite and energy, and develop a fever.</p>
<p>Whitney said no cases of Lyme disease have yet been reported in humans in Newfoundland and Labrador.</p>
<p>Whitney said ticks have come to Newfoundland by attaching themselves to migratory birds.</p>
<p>CBC NEWS</p>Salmon Rivers closing in Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, and Zone 10tag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-07-16:4509340:BlogPost:1827722014-07-16T13:55:05.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
<p>Jeremy Meadus Posted this earlier on a Facebook Group. I figured I would pass along the information.</p>
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<p>Salmon Rivers closing in Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, and Zone 10<br></br>DFO advises anglers that due to extremely low water levels and extremely high water temperatures, the following rivers will close effective Wednesday July 16, 2014. Rivers will reopen as conditions improve.<br></br>For more information please visit the In Season River Status report at…</p>
<p>Jeremy Meadus Posted this earlier on a Facebook Group. I figured I would pass along the information.</p>
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<p>Salmon Rivers closing in Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, and Zone 10<br/>DFO advises anglers that due to extremely low water levels and extremely high water temperatures, the following rivers will close effective Wednesday July 16, 2014. Rivers will reopen as conditions improve.<br/>For more information please visit the In Season River Status report at <a href="http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/River-Status/In-Season">www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/River-Status/In-Season</a> or call the Angling Line at 709-772-4423.<br/>Zone 4<br/>48. Campbellton River & tributaries<br/>49. Dog Bay Rivers, including SW Brook & all tributaries<br/>50. Northwest Gander tributary<br/>50. All other tributaries of the Main Stem and Southwest Gander<br/>51. Ragged Harbour River & tributary streams<br/>52. Anchor Brook<br/>53. Deadman’s Bay River & tributary streams<br/>54. Windmill Brook<br/>Zone 5<br/>56. Indian Bay River & tributary streams<br/>58. Traverse Brook & tributary streams<br/>59. Middle Brook, including Square Pond Brook & Burnt Pond Brook<br/>60. Gambo River & tributary streams, including Mint Brook, Narrows, Triton Brook, Riverhead Brook & Parsons Brook.<br/>61. Northwest Brook, Alexander Bay<br/>62. Terra Nova River and tributaries, including Maccles Brook.<br/>Zone 6<br/>66. Salmon Cove River<br/>69. Shoal Harbour River<br/>Zone 10<br/>91. Come By Chance River<br/>93. North Harbour River<br/>94. Black River, Placentia Bay below falls<br/>95. Piper’s Hole River<br/>In-Season River Status - DFO - Newfoundland - River Status<br/>1 All rivers noted as "Open" will open one hour before sunrise on the effective date. All rivers noted as "Closed" or "Partial Closure" will close effective one hour after sunset on the effective date. If a river is partially closed during the season, please contact the DFO Angling Line at 709-772-4…<br/>NFL.DFO-MPO.GC.CA</p>Moose-eating shark rescued in Newfoundland harbourtag:newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com,2014-07-15:4509340:BlogPost:1825822014-07-15T13:08:25.000ZPeter Emberleyhttp://newfoundlandwaterfowlers.ning.com/profile/PeterEmberley
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<p>Greenland shark either bit off more that it could chew or was just enjoying a big meal</p>
<p>Two quick-thinking men on Newfoundland's northeast coast managed to save a Greenland shark from choking to death on a large piece of moose hide this past weekend.</p>
<p>Derrick Chaulk said he was driving down a road by the harbour in Norris Arm North this past Saturday when he saw what he thought was a beached whale.</p>
<p>When Chaulk went closer to investigate, he realized it was a shark,…</p>
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<p>Greenland shark either bit off more that it could chew or was just enjoying a big meal</p>
<p>Two quick-thinking men on Newfoundland's northeast coast managed to save a Greenland shark from choking to death on a large piece of moose hide this past weekend.</p>
<p>Derrick Chaulk said he was driving down a road by the harbour in Norris Arm North this past Saturday when he saw what he thought was a beached whale.</p>
<p>When Chaulk went closer to investigate, he realized it was a shark, which he estimated was about 2.5 metres long, and weighed about 115 kg.</p>
<p>The animal was still alive and had a large chunk of moose hide protruding from its mouth. <br/> <br/>"It [the moose] had the fur and all the liner on it — it was about two feet long, maybe."</p>
<p>Two-part rescue effort</p>
<p>Chaulk said another local man, Jeremy Ball, arrived on the scene and starting pulling on the moose chunk.</p>
<p>"A couple yanks and it just came right out."</p>
<p>The two men then set about getting the shark back in the water.</p>
<p>Ball tied a rope around the shark's tail, and Chaulk got ready to push.</p>
<p>"He pulled the rope, and I pushed with my boot," said Chaulk, "and between the two of us we got him out into deeper water."</p>
<p>Chaulk said the shark lay in about 30 cm of water for a few minutes.</p>
<p>"Then all of a sudden, the water started coming out of his gills and he started breathing,"</p>
<p>Rare sight</p>
<p>Greenland sharks are rarely seen on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. It is a lumbering bottom dweller that spends most of its long life blinded from parasites feeding on its corneas.</p>
<p>They are scavengers, and they feed on food found in shallow water. While their diet is usually fish, they have been found in other jurisdictions to have eaten animals that found their way to the water, from polar bears to reindeer.</p>
<p>The creature goes long periods without food, so when it comes across even a discarded carcass, such as a moose, it will gorge itself to near suffocation.</p>
<p>Chaulk said people clean and gut moose on a nearby bank of land and throw the scraps of the butchered animals into the harbour.</p>
<p>Chaulk speculated that the shark bit off more than he could chew.</p>
<p>"He swallowed and got it halfway down and couldn't cough it back up and couldn't get it all down, and then I think the tide brought him in."</p>
<p>Shark may have been OK, says scientist</p>
<p>A scientist said the shark may not have been in as much danger as the two men thought.</p>
<p>Jeffrey Gallant, the president and lead scientist at the Greenland Shark and Elasmobranch Education and Research Group, said the beached shark may have just been enjoying a large meal.</p>
<p>Gallant added that Chaulk and Ball did the right thing, although he would not have yanked out the moose bits.</p>
<p>"When you're man-handling a shark like this and trying to get it back in the water, the fact that its mouth was otherwise pre-occupied by chewing on the meat, you reduce the risk yourself of getting bit accidentally."</p>
<p>Chaulk said after the shark started breathing again, the animal lay in the shallow water for about 30 minutes, then headed out to sea.</p>
<p>"There was a few people up on the bank watching and once that shark swam out and lifted his tail, and then swam all the way out, everybody just clapped," said Chaulk.</p>
<p>"It was a good feeling to see that shark swim out, knowing that you saved his life."</p>
<p>CBC NEWS</p>