Update on Illegal Gill Nets in Chesapeake Bay (February 3, 2011)

[Jer]

The uncovering of illegal gill nets continued yesterday (Wednesday, February 2, 2011) as Maryland's Natural Resources Police (NRP) found more anchored nets near Bloody Point. In two days NRP officers have pulled nets containing approximately 10 tons of illegally caught striped bass. This is the largest infraction of this kind since the end of the moratorium.

CCA Executive Director Tony Friedrich and State Chairmen Ed Liccione were at the site of the offloading of these fish and took photos and video documenting the results of the poaching.

Baltimore Sun Outdoor Writer Candy Thompson was written another article on the situation, which can be viewed at http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/o...,4455242.story. Liccione called the poaching "jaw-dropping" in her article.

"The Natural Resources Police and the Department of Natural Resources have done yeoman’s work in finding and confiscating these nets," said Friedrich. "They are to be highly commended."

Another important development yesterday came when The Department's Director of Fisheries Tom O’Connell said that the current penalty isn't "strong enough to deter this kind of action. We are in discussions now about legislation." The Department also confirmed that the illegally caught fish will be counted against the 2011 gill net allocation.

In its efforts to demonstrate the significance of these infractions, CCA MD has placed video of the offloading on YouTube. It can be viewed below





CCA Maryland is closely engaged with both the Department and the Legislature to determine what may be necessary to help prevent these kinds of abuses. We will keep you informed of any new developments.

CLICK HERE FOR "DAY 1" STORY ON ILLEGAL GILL NETS

[hotshot1]

That is unbelievable . 20000 lbs of mostly breeders. The fishermen that do follow the laws are the ones getting stolen from. That is 20000 lbs of fish in their pockets that they are not getting, I can't believe no arrest have been made.

[WhiteySlayer]

Thats unbelievable, those are our spring season trophies right there. That sure is a shame.