Brevard Florida Fish and Wildlife Officers Bust Perps For Illegal Fishing, Derelict Vessels
By Space Coast Daily // March 10, 2020
FWC Officers issue criminal citations for leaving a vessel in derelict condition on state waters
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following report highlights some cases the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission handled in Brevard County over the past week but does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Officers Hallsten, Eller and Beck were on federal water patrol approximately 20 miles offshore conducting federal fisheries inspections on commercial and recreational fishing vessels.
An inspection of a vessel revealed two undersized grey triggerfish and one illegally harvested red snapper. The subjects were educated on the proper regulations and cited accordingly.
Officers Hallsten and Delano worked federal fisheries patrol and conducted several vessel inspections.
The officers encountered several violations, including multiple undersized vermillion snapper, multiple undersized Spanish mackerel, and failure to land in whole condition violations. The subjects were cited accordingly.
Officers Eller and Beck observed a suspicious truck and trailer parked at a secluded boat ramp.
The officers observed the vessel operating on a full plane through a manatee zone and operating without the proper navigational lights.
A resource inspection revealed the commercial fisherman were in possession of snook that had gig punctures. The officers issued citations accordingly for illegal method of taking, out of season snook, and several boating citations for operation and equipment violations.
Officer Rasey identified multiple vessels that were in a wreck or grounded condition.
After identifying the owners, Officer Rasey issued four criminal citations for leaving a vessel in a derelict condition on state waters.
Officer Balgo observed an individual paddling a Jon boat back to the shoreline near State Road 520 and the Banana River.
A resource inspection revealed the individual was in possession of three black drum over 24-inches. The individual was cited for the same offense approximately a year earlier. Citations were issued accordingly.
Officers Balgo and Delano performed a wholesale/retail inspection on a local business.
The officers located 12 undersized red grouper, one undersized sheepshead, and one undersized pompano. Citations were issued accordingly.
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