Crimestoppers Joins Illegal-Fishing Fight

Crimestoppers reward money of up to $2,000 will now be available to encourage people with information on illegal fishing to come forward.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell said today the highly successful Crimestoppers program will join with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to provide more clout in cracking down on illegal buying and selling.

"This is a key addition to our provincial plan. Partnering with a program like Crimestoppers sweetens the pot with a cash reward and provides a toll-free number provincewide," Mr. Colwell said.

Callers now have the choice of phoning the province's enforcement hotline announced Monday, 1-902-424-0343, or the better-known Crimestoppers toll-free hotline 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). The two groups will be working closely together.

"The Crimestoppers success rate is excellent," said the minister. "We're happy to be on board with such a high-calibre group."

Adding the Crimestoppers option allows callers to earn a cash reward and assures anonymity for tipsters.

All calls to the province's enforcement line are confidential.