DFO files police complaint over shrimp fishermen who stormed St. John's headquarters

The Department of Fisheries and Oceanshas filed a police complaint about a shrimp protest that took a drastic turn Friday when fishermen broke a door and stormed the headquarters in St. John's.

• No charges as protesters leave DFO HQ after smashing window, breaking into building

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed for CBC News Tuesday that DFO did file a complaint over property damage.

Two doors were damaged Friday, as about 50 protesters gained access to the federal building on White Hills Road.

Protesters leave DFO

8 years ago

Duration 1:57

Some protesters left DFO feeling cautiously optimistic about the future of shrimp fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Fishermen were angry over cuts to their quotas and what they say is unfair access by others to their fishing ground.

RNC Const. Steve Curnew said a member of the general investigation unit is looking into the matter.

Police were called to the scene and photographed damage to a front door that was broken after fishermen used their feet and picket signs to hit it.

DFO is not commenting on the extent to which its premises were damaged during the incident.

There were also reports of DFO officials being intimidated, as fishermen walked the halls calling out the names of specific individuals in the building.

Originally, officials at DFO did not file a complaint and police said it couldn't act until one was received.

"We believe that the protesters did not behave appropriately at the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre," DFO said in a statement Wednesday, adding that "public servants and employees everywhere in Canada have a right to a safe, secure, and respectful workplace."