Florida Fish and Wildlife Officers Bust Perps With 11,000 Pounds of Illegally Harvested Shrimp

FWC: commercial shrimping vessel operating illegally in Tampa Bay

(FWC)  – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers aboard the FWC’s Gulf Sentry, an offshore patrol vessel, recently conducted a resource inspection on a commercial shrimping vessel that was determined to be operating illegally just south of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Bay.

During their inspection, FWC officers discovered more than 11,000 pounds of shrimp, valued at more than $30,000, and several pounds of cobia fillets in the vessel’s freezer.

Upon further inspection, officers also discovered turtle-excluder device (TED) violations.

The vessel, named the Dona Lupa, and its crew were from Port Isabel, Texas.

“Our officers remain committed to stopping these illegal commercial shrimping trips,” said Major Rob Rowe, FWC Southwest Regional Commander.

“Florida’s resources must be protected from illegal harvest, and our specially trained officers are dedicated to ensuring that these illegal commercial vessel operators are cited accordingly.”

The vessel’s captain was cited for not having a restricted species endorsement on their Saltwater Products License, failure to display Saltwater Products License on vessel, possession of cobia not in whole condition and TED violations.

Similar Stories