Lobsters are tasty, and can bring a decent profit, but for some poachers at Biscayne National Park in Florida the lure of those crustaceans came with a high price: forfeiture of their 43-foot boat.
The defendants ran afoul of the law by, in part, taking lobsters from park waters out of season and separating the tails from the bodies before reaching shore.
According to a park release, last May 9 Biscayne National Park and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers conducted a safety and marine fisheries inspection on the commercial fishing vessel El Donny.
During the inspection officers observed a lobster shell inside a crab trap, although the boat owner indicated that no lobsters were on the vessel. While inspecting the engine room, an officer noticed a white plastic bag hidden behind some engine equipment. This bag, along with four others that were discovered, included a total of 87 wrung lobster tails, 66 of which were undersized. All the lobsters were collected during a closed season and were required to remain in whole condition (separating tails from bodies is prohibited before they are ashore).
The park release said the "defendants have an extensive criminal history with multiple prior marine fisheries violations." They were charged with possession of spiny lobster out of season, possession of wrung spiny lobster tails, possession of undersized spiny lobster, interference with an officer, and improper stone crab trap transfer.
Earlier this month the defendants pled guilty to all counts charged against them and accepted the State's plea of adjudication of guilt to each count, the park release said.
The plea agreement included; permanent forfeiture of 43’ commercial fishing vessel, three years of reporting probation with a special condition that defendants may not register, operate or captain any commercial vessel during the probation, permanent forfeiture of saltwater products license including all endorsements and permanent forfeiture of all fishing/commercial licenses associated with the vessel EL Donny.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
