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Poachers ordered to apologize to salmon federation
Baie Verte … The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) will receive $1,500 and letters of apology with the conviction of three men charged with salmon violations.
Robert Matthews and Travis Matthews of Harbour Round were convicted in Baie Verte Provincial Court of fishing for salmon during a closed time.
The charges against the Harbour Round men were laid following surveillance conducted June 28, 2005 in the Brent’s Cove/Harbour Round area in response to reports of salmon poaching. During that incident, a third man, Stanley Giles of Harbour Round, prevented fishery officers from leaving the scene with a seized vessel. He was convicted September 15, 2005 of obstruction.
Robert Matthews and Travis Matthews were each fined $1,000, with an additional $500 to be paid to the ASF. Each man must also write 500-word letters of apology to the ASF. The two were placed on probation for three years, and cannot be on coastal waters except on a commercial ferry, or own or possess fishing gear for the duration of the probation. They cannot possess any hunting or fishing licences until the fines are paid in full, and each must perform 50 hours of community service.
A fiberglass boat and contents were ordered forfeited to the Crown, along with a quantity of fishing gear.
Mr. Giles was fined $500 and placed on probation for two years. He cannot hold a commercial fishing licence in 2006 until his fine is paid in full, and must write a letter of apology to the local fishery officer.
In another salmon violation in the White Bay area, Jerry Haas of Baie Verte was apprehended July 5, 2005 in that community after a fishery guardian watched him net inland waters.
He was fined $1,000, with an additional $500 to be paid to the ASF. He must also write 500-word letters of apology to the ASF. Mr. Haas was placed on probation for three years, and cannot be on coastal waters except on a commercial ferry, or own or possess fishing gear for the duration of the probation. He cannot possess any hunting or fishing licences until the fines are paid in full, and must perform 50 hours of community service.
For more information:
Kimberley Penney
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7629
Susan Keough
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(709) 772-7628
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