Three People Charged Following Atlantic Salmon Poaching Investigations in White Bay and Green Bay

Three people are facing charges following separate investigations into the alleged illegal netting of Atlantic salmon in the White Bay and Green Bay areas.

The Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Land said Resource Enforcement Division officers recently concluded two investigations that resulted in the seizure of boats, motors, gill nets and salmon.

In the first investigation, officers from the Springdale, Baie Verte and Massey Drive detachments conducted a surveillance operation near the community of Westport. During the operation, officers observed a gill net set in coastal waters in what they said appeared to be a manner targeting Atlantic salmon.

On June 14, officers arrested two Westport residents for alleged violations of the Fisheries Act.

The investigation led to the seizure of a boat, motor and three gill nets measuring more than 500 feet in total length.

The two individuals are scheduled to appear in court in Grand Falls-Windsor at a later date on charges of fishing for Atlantic salmon with a net during a closed season and using a net to catch Atlantic salmon without a licence.

In a separate incident on July 1, Resource Enforcement officers from the Springdale Detachment arrested another individual in Paddock's Bight after observing a gill net being set in coastal waters.

Officers recovered the approximately 100-foot gill net, which contained two Atlantic salmon, and seized the net, boat, motor and fish.

That individual faces charges of fishing for Atlantic salmon with a net during a closed season, using a net to catch Atlantic salmon without a licence, possessing Atlantic salmon contrary to the Fisheries Act, and obstructing a fishery officer. The accused is also expected to appear in court at a later date.

The department is reminding the public that tips from residents play an important role in helping resource enforcement officers investigate illegal fishing and hunting activity. Suspected poaching can be reported anonymously through the province's poaching tip line or online.