Newfoundland salmon thieves still on the loose
Canada: No arrests have been made yet in the salmon theft case involving Cooke Aquaculture's operations around the Belleoram area in the Connaigre Peninsula. Nell Halse, the director of communication with Cooke Aquaculture Inc., characterized the situation as "very serious" in an interview with The Coaster online.
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," Mrs. Halse told The Coaster.
The investigation is in its very early stages and they are still collecting information. The quantity is unknown at this time but the RCMP believes the theft is an ongoing matter.
Mrs. Halse told The Coaster that other aquaculture companies in the area may be losing salmon through stealing as well.
Cooke Aquaculture will be taking steps to address the issue of people stealing salmon at their grow-out sites. Mrs. Halse said they are now looking into purchasing surveillance equipment to help protect their stock. Cooke and other companies have made large investments in the area which has the potential to create much needed employment and economic activities.
Nowhere else where Cooke is operating has the company experienced this problem.
