Protecting our Fish and Wildlife
for Future Generations.

News Release

Salmon Anglers Encouraged to Respect Fishing Regulations

Thursday, June 01, 2017

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division (FWED) is reminding the public that the salmon angling season for insular Newfoundland opens on June 1 and for Labrador on June 15. FWED is encouraging members of the public to help protect valuable inland fish stocks by reporting suspected illegal activity.

In 2016, FWED received 157 complaints related to illegal fishing with the majority of complaints (53 per cent) related to illegal netting. As a result of public assistance, officers laid a total of 151 fishing-related charges for such offences as netting, jigging, untagged salmon, illegal possession and illegal sale.

There was also an increase in the types of offences which have the most detrimental impact on salmon populations. Compared to the 2015 angling season, last season FWED saw a 115 per cent increase in netting violations and a 58 per cent increase in violations related to the illegal sale and/or possession of salmon.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province's resources and to ensuring they remain available for those who respect legislation concerning the proper management and conservation of fish and wildlife. Suspicious activity can be reported anonymously and toll-free at any time, 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  .

"We thank the members of the public who continue to report illegal activity relating to salmon. Our salmon resources are world-renowned and it is important we protect them for future generations. By working together, we can protect and conserve our valuable fish and wildlife populations."
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources