The United States Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seized an estimated USD 60,000 (EUR 49,000) worth of shrimp caught illegally in Florida.
Approximately 6,000 pounds of shrimp were seized from the 68-foot fishing vessel, Ronald E., because the boat was illegally fishing inside a national marine sanctuary, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement.
The Dry Tortugas Shrimp Sanctuary Preservation Area is off the coast of the Florida Keys.
“Within the Florida Keys, we take protecting the National Marine Sanctuary very seriously. Boaters and fishermen should familiarize themselves with the boundaries of the sanctuary to make sure they are complying with federal law,” said Captain Jeffery Janzsen, commander of Coast Guard Sector Key West.
The partnership between NOAA and the Coast Guard allows for efficient enforcement of the commercial fishing fleet in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, added Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Wolstenholme, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans.
“Integrating NOAA enforcement officers into our boarding teams ensures quality at-sea inspections of both required safety equipment and fishing gear,” Wolstenholme said.
The Coast Guard forwarded evidence on the seizure to the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will determine if a formal notice of violation will be issued.
