Salmon stolen from Cooke Aquaculture site

By Matthew Molloy

FOR THE SOU’WESTER

The Harbour Breton, N.L. RCMP and Cooke Aquaculture officials are very concerned about the ongoing theft of salmon from the aquaculture grow-out sites operated by the company around the Belleoram area in the Connaigre Peninsula.

Nell Halse, the director of communication with Cooke Aquaculture Inc., called the situation "very serious."

"This is a very serious situation for us. These people have to understand that they are committing an illegal activity when they steal inventory from us," Halse said. "This is a criminal act which is no different than someone breaking into a company's warehouse and stealing some of their goods."

She noted that the company is very pleased with the RCMP's investigation into their concern.

"The RCMP in Harbour Breton recognized the seriousness of this situation right away and have sent their own message out to the communities that they are investigating and taking this issue very seriously, as well," Halse said.

Corporal Andrew Buckle of the Harbour Breton RCMP said the investigation is in its very early stages and they are still collecting information.

"There is an investigation ongoing of potential theft from an aquaculture site in the area," Cpl. Buckle said. "The quantity is unknown at this time but we believe it's an ongoing matter and it's being vigorously investigated by the RCMP."

Corporal Buckle said other incidents of theft have been reported out of the Belleoram area in recent months, including gas cans that went reported stolen a few months ago.

"It's disheartening to the people losing their property. It comes down to the fact that people are aware that this activity is going on but are hesitant to get involved," he said. "All I would say is that if they ever find themselves in the same position they would hope that others would inform the police so we can find the people involved."

According to Halse, other aquaculture companies in the area may be losing salmon through stealing, too.

"People in communities in the Coast of Bays really have to think about this. Cooke Aquaculture Inc. and other companies have invested large sums of money in this area. This investment has huge potential for employment and economic activities," Halse said. "What kind of message is the area sending to companies like ours when this goes on and no one is coming forward with any information? We haven't experienced this particular problem in other areas of Atlantic Canada and it's too bad it's happening here."

Cooke Aquaculture will be taking steps to address the issue of people stealing salmon at their grow-out sites. Halse said they are now looking into purchasing surveillance equipment to help protect their stock

"We're investing in some high-tech surveillance systems and we are going to start taking a much closer look at what happens on our sites. Hopefully, we'll be able to see intruders on our farms and with the help of the RCMP, will be able to apprehend those individuals who are on our sites illegally," Halse said. "The public can also help us by setting up neighbourhood watch programs similar to those established in other areas where criminal activities are a problem. This should be a serious concern for all residents of the Coast of Bays."

According to the RCMP, the theft of salmon from local fish pins in the Coast of Bays area has been happening for some time. In addition to losing fish, this action also has a detrimental effect on the fish product being produced as it injures the fish in the pens.

The RCMP further state that any person found in the possession of the fish or removing the animal from the pens can be charged with possession of property obtained by crime, as well as Theft. The RCMP are asking the general public for their help in determining who is responsible for these acts.

(Matthew Molloy is the editor of Transcontinental Media’s Coaster newspaper, which is a contributor to the Sou’Wester.)