Should Boat Tracking Devices be illegal on boats

[Squidnation]

The Maryland DNR has been placing tracking devices on commercial vessels. They had been placing the devices on vessels without their prior knowledge which is a bit different from the draggers found off our coast. Draggers I understand MUST purchase the tracking devices and have their vessels monitored since they have location restrictions on top of seasonal closures.

So whats your opinion on the tracking device issue. Also would you be upset if you found a tracking device on your vessel that was placed on your boat without prior knowledge.

[billschwabe]

Well, if they knew you cell # they could track you at least as far as the towers could see you and more if they had realtime satellite access. Kind of old school to use a RF tracker nowadays. Could think of a lot of ways to have fun if I found one though! Maybe UPS it to Timbuktu, attach it to one of the zillion DMF Suburbans, helium baloons, the possibilities are endless!

[Bud Man]

What's the old saying " If your playing by the rules, than there's nothing to worry about."

I personally think all commercial vessels should have them, make it random that should be a deterrent.

I also feel Charter boat guys who fish for striped bass should be bugged also. Head boats and charter boats in run past three miles constantly. Not saying all do but their are a bunch that do. Either get rid of the three mile line or Enforce it, Pull a couple of these poachers tickets and that bull$hit will stop

[92 feet down]

In light of the recent events in the Chesapeake Bay, I'd have to say yes, I'd like to see it happen.

[Agitated88]

I sure do hope the DNR had all their I's dotted and their T's crossed.

[clt_capt]

Do I think Commercial vessels should have tracking devices - YES, Do I think the tracking devices should be placed on the boats without the owner/operator's knowledge - NO

It brings to mind Constitutional issues...

Frankly I don't think tracking devices on private and charters is a bad idea either - but not without the knowledge of the owner/operator...

[HOLWACHAGOT]

Do I think Commercial vessels should have tracking devices - YES, Do I think the tracking devices should be placed on the boats without the owner/operator's knowledge - NO

It brings to mind Constitutional issues...

Frankly I don't think tracking devices on private and charters is a bad idea either - but not without the knowledge of the owner/operator...

Completely agree.
Not without their knowledge.
Holwachagot

[Dave Sikorski]

"Reasonable expectation of privacy" is the key term here.

I don't think I have to preface all of this by saying I'm not a lawyer, but I will...I'm not a lawyer

If a boat sits in a harbor at the end of a public, or readily accessible pier, any part of that boat that is also readily accessible without the opening of compartments, cabins, etc. does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Therefore an LEO can technically hop on board and place a tracking device on a boat.

THat's what I heard somewhere recently, and I guess it makes sense. I guess we might see such a thought challenged sooner or later and maybe we'll all learn something.

ok, enough attempting to be a lawyer.

Here's how I see it.

Commercial fishermen harvest a public resource for a profit. Such harvest is allowed under the public trust as a privilege. Some commercial fishermen have broken the rules set forth by fisheries managers, and therefore broken the public trust.

Tracking devices, both disclosed and undisclosed, do have a purpose in reigning in illegal activity, but they aren't always the solution to a problem.

In gear specific fisheries, they seem to make sense. That is, a scallop vessel or oyster dredge that is limited to what areas they can work. ie Sanctuaries, seasonal closures...etc

Their use on gill net boats doesn't seem to make much sense in the Chesapeake. Hidden beacons can help NRP track where suspected violators might be setting illegal nets, but requiring the entire fleet to be knowingly tracked would serve little or no purpose. Poachers will still have access to non tracked vessels, and will continue to find their way around the rules.

So, in short, tracking makes sense when it has a useful goal, otherwise resources should be concentrated on other methods of enforcement.

-D

[000's]

Im with Clt_Capt, with out knowledge is gonna cause more problems .Put em on all for hire boats.

[Dave Sikorski]

Who's gonna pay for them on for hire boats?

Are we talking a safety measure?

Enforcement measure?

-D