Fish and wildlife enforcement officers from the Department of Justice retrieved 65 Atlantic salmon from illegal nets during four separate investigations across the province last week.
Responding to a report to the poaching hotline on the evening of July 8, officers located a 100 foot-long illegal net stretched across the Robinsons River in Bay St. George.
There were approximately 30 Atlantic salmon dead and decaying in the net. The net had been set and left for several days, leaving the 30 salmon in an advanced stage of decay in the river.
During an early morning patrol of Conche Harbour on the Northern Peninsula on July 9, enforcement officers found two 150-foot illegal gill nets containing 25 Atlantic salmon, ranging in size from four to 17 pounds. The 17 dead salmon were seized and the remaining eight salmon found alive were released.
A surveillance investigation near Peterview, next to the Exploits River on July 8, resulted in the arrest of two individuals for illegal netting of inland waters. Officers seized another 150-foot illegal gill net and four Atlantic salmon. Two of these salmon were in the 10 to 12 pound range.
During another surveillance investigation into illegal netting, officers arrested two individuals near Robert’s Arm, Green Bay, on July 7, for offences including illegal netting and possession. Officers seized a 20-foot fiberglass boat and motor, a 150-foot illegal gill net and six Atlantic salmon.
The Robinsons River and Conche Harbour investigations are ongoing, and officers need the public’s assistance to help apprehend the individuals responsible.
Information on these investigations, or any suspected poaching activity, can be reported anonymously to fish and wildlife enforcement officers 24 hours a day, toll- free at 1-877-820-0999. For more information on fish and wildlife enforcement, visit www.stoppoaching.ca.
