NOAA Agents Seize 8,851 Pounds of Illegally Caught Fish
NOAA’s Office for Law Enforcement, working in conjunction with the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens, seized 8,851 pounds of
reef fish from a Texas-based commercial fishing vessel holding a federal
fishing permit. Most of the fish were red snapper. On
March 2, NOAA special agents and the Texas game wardens boarded the
vessel while it was at-sea en route to port. Upon investigation of the
vessel’s catch, a hidden compartment containing 5,641 pounds of red
snapper was discovered and seized. Further investigation revealed that the
red snapper were caught during a time when the commercial season was
closed. Measurement of the fish found that 62 percent of the red snapper
were also under the minimum size limit. The fish were sold on auction for
$20,544, which is being held in escrow until the case is adjudicated.
To report illegal fishing activities, contact the NOAA
Fisheries’ Enforcement Hot Line at 800-853-1964.
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