February 27, 2015 – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Roger Knee of Jamestown and Chesley Abbott of Princeton have been convicted for illegal possession of Atlantic salmon contrary to the Fisheries Act and its regulations. The Atlantic salmon were caught and retained illegally from a net set to catch herring for bait. Mr. Knee was also convicted for fishing in division 3L without a licence for the Herring Bait Fishery.

Both were convicted on November 19, 2014 in Clarenville Provincial Court.

Penalties:

Roger Knee

Fined $2,500 ($2,000 for illegally catching and retaining Atlantic Salmon, $500 for fishing without a licence)
Prohibited from recreational fishing in inland waters for two years
Forfeiture of two Atlantic salmon

Chesley Abbott

Fined $3,500
Prohibited from recreational fishing in inland waters for two years

The Government of Canada is committed to safeguarding the long-term health and productivity of Canada’s fisheries resources, and the habitat that supports them, for generations to come. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a mandate to protect and conserve marine resources and to prosecute offenders under the Fisheries Act. It ensures and promotes compliance with the Act and other laws and regulations through a combination of land, air, and sea patrols, as well education and awareness activities.

Illegal fishing is a threat to the sustainability of important fishing resources. You can report suspicious fishing activity or violations of fish habitat by contacting your nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers.  

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Newfoundland and Labrador Region
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Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=940589&tp=1