NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – Investigations by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fishery guardians resulted in the conviction of five individuals for salmon and trout angling violations.
On September 9, 2009 in provincial court at Placentia, Edward Rogers and Colton Withers, of Placentia, were convicted of fishing a scheduled salmon river during a closed time. Mr. Rogers was fined $400 and Mr. Withers was fined $200. The catch, rod and reel of both individuals were forfeited by the court. On May 27, 2009 fishery guardians from the Placentia detachment observed both individuals fishing illegally in Beaver River near Placentia.
On September 9, 2009 in provincial court at Placentia, Bradley Peach of Placentia was convicted of retaining a foul hooked Atlantic salmon. Mr. Peach was fined $200 and one Atlantic salmon, rod and reel were forfeited by the court. On July 30, 2009, fishery guardians from the Placentia detachment observed Mr. Peach land and retain an Atlantic salmon that was not hooked by its mouth. The incident occurred in the falls section of North East River in Placentia.
On September 2, 2009 in provincial court at Grand Bank, Bernard Masters of Red Harbour was fined $250 for exceeding the daily bag limit of trout and his catch, rod and reel were forfeited by the court. On June 16, 2009 fishery guardians from the Marystown detachment were on patrol near Rushoon and a routine inspection of Mr. Masters determined he was over his daily bag limit of trout.
On July 20, 2009 in provincial court at Harbour Grace, Jeff Barry Smith of South River was fined $200 for angling during a closed time and his rod and reel were forfeited by the court. On May 21, 2009, while on patrol in South River, fishery guardians from the Bay Roberts detachment witnessed Mr. Smith angling in South River during a closed time.
Conservation measures exist to protect and rebuild fish stocks so that these sustainable fishing resources can be enjoyed by communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for generations to come. Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activities may do so by contacting their nearest DFO office or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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For more information:
Sam Whiffen, Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7631
