The RCMP arrested a reporter covering an anti-fracking protest in New Brunswick today.

Miles Howe has been filing reports for the Halifax Media Co-op from the Elsipogtog First Nation's territory, in the eastern part of the province, since early June.

Residents there have been blocking seismic testing vehicles used for shale gas exploration.

The Media Co-op issued a news release about Howe's arrest, calling it "a blantant effort to silence his ongoing coverage of the struggle."

Jorge Barrera of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) has also been covering the protests, and was on site, tweeting, when Howe was arrested.

Halifax co-op reporter @MilesHowe arrested by RCMP blocking logging road leading to shale gas exploration. pic.twitter.com/1rvmvm5CFt

— Jorge Barrera (@JorgeBarrera) July 4, 2013

Miles was arrested for allegedly "uttering death threats" against senior RCMP officer who made the arrest after shaking Miles' hand.

— Jorge Barrera (@JorgeBarrera) July 4, 2013

Miles was arrested while I waited with him to get permission to go see exploration site.

— Jorge Barrera (@JorgeBarrera) July 4, 2013

Elsipogtog First Nation Chief Arren Sock has called for a moratorium on shale gas exploration in his territory, but last week appointed a 'peacekeeper' from the nearby Tobique First Nation to deal with growing tensions between the Elsipogtog, RCMP and the company doing the exploration, shale gas developer SWN Resources Canada.

There has been a heavy police presence on Highway 126, where protesters have camped out. According to the CBC, 33 people have been arrested so far.

Colleen Kimmett is an editor at The Tyee.