Salmon poaching charges likely after surveillance in central

Just a couple weeks into the salmon angling season, fish and wildlife officers have already made several arrests for illegal fishing.

The first set of alleged poachers were nabbed on June 14 in the area of Leading Tickles in Notre Dame Bay.

A surveillance operation spurred by public complaints caught three men setting a salmon net. Officers were able to arrest them on the spot.

The men — all of whom were from the community — were detained, interviewed and then released.

Charges pending

Two all-terrain vehicles and a salmon net were seized. Charges are pending.

Two nights later, officers with the Gander detachment were on boat patrol in Norris Arm when they saw an illegal salmon net.

After watching the area they arrested a man who attempted to retrieve the net.

The net and one Atlantic salmon were seized. Charges will likely be laid. 

On June 17, officers returned to Leading Tickles to do surveillance and saw two men set salmon nets from the shoreline.

They too were detained, interviewed and later released.