Officers Cracking Down on Illegal Fishing

[Peter Emberley]

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division say they will continue to enforce legislation to protect fish stocks.

VOCM News