KEY LARGO, Florida (20 Mar 2002) -- Skippers of fishing vessels who recently tested the ability and willingness of the federal government to enforce "no-take" restrictions in a newly designated Florida marine reserve probably wish they hadn't. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) attorneys have issued citations totaling $112,000 in the first eight cases against vessels charged with poaching in the protected waters of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve, located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. "We hope the substantial penalties in these cases send the message that NOAA will not stand by while an unscrupulous few raid the waters of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve," said a sanctuary spokesperson. Four of the eight cases involve shrimp boats caught red-handed by a US Coast Guard cutter in the Tortugas North section of the reserve on January 22 and 24. More than four tons of shrimp were seized from the four boats and sold by authorities. On January 26 and February 1, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers made cases against four vessels fishing for reef fish such as snapper and grouper in the protected area. Over a ton of mixed reef fish were seized from these boats and sold. "The Tortugas reserve was established through a collaborative process in which commercial fishermen played a major role. The commercial fishing industry has had plenty of time to learn about the regulations," said NOAA attorney Robin Jung. "These cases should serve as a warning. In the future, penalties will most likely be even higher." | | Regulations in the federal waters of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve took effect March 8, 2001. The entire reserve is closed to fishing and anchoring. Vessels may enter Tortugas North via a free, no-paperwork access permit. Visitors may dive in Tortugas North, and mooring buoys are available. Vessels may enter Tortugas South only if they maintain continuous transit through the area with fishing gear stowed. As a NO-DIVE, NO-TAKE Marine Protected Area (MPA), diving and snorkeling are prohibited here in Tortugas South. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
