Salmon Poaching investigations in White Bay and Green Bay lead to significant charges
Recent investigations conducted by the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Land’s Resource Enforcement Division have resulted in charges against three individuals for attempting to net Atlantic salmon.
Resource Enforcement Officers from the Springdale, Baie Verte and Massey Drive Detachments recently conducted a surveillance operation near the community of Westport. During the operation, a gill net was observed set in coastal waters. The net appeared to be set in a manner that targeted Atlantic salmon. On the morning of June 14, 2026, officers arrested two individuals from the community of Westport, who were in contravention of the Fisheries Act.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of a boat, motor and three gill nets, totaling over 500 feet in length. The individuals will appear in court in Grand Falls-Windsor at a later date to face charges of netting Atlantic salmon during a closed time and using a net to catch Atlantic salmon without a licence.
Additionally, on July 1, 2026, Resource Enforcement Officers from the Springdale Detachment apprehended one individual in Paddock’s Bight after observing the setting of a net in coastal waters. Officers retrieved the 100-foot gill net which contained two Atlantic salmon. The officers seized the net, boat, motor and salmon.
Charges for this individual include netting Atlantic salmon during a closed time, using a net to catch Atlantic salmon without a licence, possessing Atlantic salmon in contravention of the Fisheries Act and obstruction of a fishery officer. They will be required to appear in court at a later date.
The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity, as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations being carried out by resource enforcement officers.
The public can report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or by visiting stoppoaching.ca.
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