Convictions Result from Illegal Fishing Incidents

There have been two recent convictions in Newfoundland and Labrador for incidents related to illegal salmon fishing.

At Provincial Court in Grand Falls-Windsor on November 4, Eric Lloyd Stuckless and Carl England, both of Harry’s Harbour, were convicted of illegally netting Atlantic salmon in an incident that occurred on July 16, 2015. Both men received a $1,000 fine and are prohibited from being on or near Canadian fisheries waters for three years. Three Atlantic salmon and a net were forfeited to the Crown.

Also at Provincial Court in Grand Falls-Windsor on November 5, Steven Haas and Richard Andrews, both of Brent’s Cove, were convicted in relation to an incident that occurred on June 27, 2015. Both individuals pled guilty to charges of netting Atlantic salmon and illegal possession of salmon caught in contravention of the Fisheries Act. They each received a $3,500 fine and are prohibited from being on or near Canadian fisheries waters for four years. A quantity of salmon, a net and a boat and motor were forfeited to the Crown.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division is committed to apprehending violators who threaten the province’s salmon and trout populations. With the public’s ongoing support, officers will continue to enforce the legislation across Newfoundland and Labrador.

The public can play a significant role in assisting officers in protecting the province’s natural resources by reporting any suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously and toll-free at any time of the day, by calling 1-877-820-0999, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous online reports can also be submitted at www.stoppoaching.ca or www.nlcrimestoppers.com.