An investigation into salmon poaching by Resource Enforcement Division officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has resulted in convictions, fines and prohibitions from fishing inland waters for two individuals.

Jordan Hodder and Brady Hill, both of Stoneville, were convicted and fined in Provincial Court at Gander on December 13, 2022, for unlawfully netting fish in inland waters contrary to Section 10 (2) of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations.

Both received a $2,500 fine, a prohibition from participating in recreational fisheries for a period of three years, and prohibition from being on or within 20 meters of inland waters for a period of three years.

The individuals were apprehended in Stoneville on August 5, 2022 by Resource Enforcement Officers acting on information obtained from surveillance activities and information gathered from Fisheries and Oceans Canada River Guardians. Items seized during the investigation have been forfeited to the Crown and include one canoe, two gill nets, one Atlantic salmon, one fish tray and a face mask used during commission of the offence.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations being conducted by Resource Enforcement Officers.

The public can report suspicious activity anonymously at any time, by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca