Southeast Alaskan fisherman Vincent Jacobson of Yakutat, Alaska, U.S.A. was sentenced to five years’ probation, a USD 15,000 (EUR 12,734) fine, and a world-wide fishing and hunting ban for five years for illegally conspiring to harvest halibut with fellow Yakutat, Alaska, U.S.A. fisherman Jonathan Pavlik.
The U.S. District Attorney of Alaska’s office said the court determined that from September 2019 through August 2022 the two fraudulently used Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permits in attempts to fish for halibut in Alaskan waters. IFQ’s require the permit holder to be aboard the fishing vessel at all times during fishing trips, including when the fishing gear is set and fish are harvested.
According to the release Pavlik, who fished with a crew on the F/V New Era, allowed Jacobson and his crew fishing on the F/V Epic to gather his boat’s harvest in lieu of the New Era crew on 24 August 2022, violating the requirements of the permit. It also said they falsely reported the harvest to the wrong IFQ balance. Additionally, Pavlik’s crew retained halibut from Jacobson’s vessel the following day while the crew was not on board, again illegally reporting the harvest to the incorrect IFQ. Payments were made for both illegal catches, and prosecutors found the same violations had taken place in 2019 and 2020.
Each instance is in violation of U.S. federal law known as the Lacey Act. On 28 August 2025, Jacobson pleaded guilty to one count of Lacey Act conspiracy, the release said.
“In the heart of IFQ season, this sentence should serve as a reminder that there are significant consequences for breaking the laws that help sustain and maintain Alaska’s vital fishing industry,” U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska Michael J. Heyman said. “Mr. Jacobson knew the rules and regulations surrounding commercial halibut fishing and used that knowledge to game the system. This conduct is an affront to law abiding commercial fisherman and he now has a federal criminal conviction because of it.”
Pavlik was charged with four counts of Lacey Act conspiracy, five counts of Lacey Act unlawful sale, and five counts of Lacey Act false labeling, and is awaiting trial, the release said.
“Protecting the future of Alaska’s fisheries requires honest fishing practices, promoting fairness and equity for all industry participants,” Assistant Director of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, Alaska Division Benjamin Cheeseman said. “NOAA enforces federal statutes to ensure all participants conduct their business within a level playing field. These sentences ensure lawful stakeholders are given the opportunity to conduct successful business, by sending a powerful message to potential offenders. We remain vigilant in ensuring offenders are deterred, and preserving Alaska’s fisheries for our nation’s future.”
Other charges include one count of Lacey Act conspiracy for Yakutat, Alaska, U.S.A. fisherman Kyle Dierick and Cordova, Alaska, U.S.A. fisherman Michael Babic, and Washington, U.S.A. fisherman Timothy Ross. Ross pleaded guilty 8 September 2025 and was sentenced to five years probation and a USD 15,000 (EUR 12,734) fine 10 December 2025. Dierick and Babic are awaiting trial.
The NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement Alaska Division is investigating the case, with assistance from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers.
