NOAA Fisheries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2005

NOAA AGENTS SEIZE 8,851 POUNDS OF ILLEGALLY CAUGHT FISH

Special agents with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Law Enforcement, working in conjunction the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens, seized 8,851 pounds of reef fish from a Texas-based commercial fishing vessel holding a federal fishing permit. Most of the fish were red snapper.

On March 2, NOAA special agents and the Texas game wardens boarded the fishing vessel Thanh Tam while it was at-sea en route to port. Upon inspection of the vessel’s catch, a hidden compartment containing 5,641 pounds of red snapper was discovered and seized.

“It’s important to remember that these marine resources need to be protected in order for them to remain sustainable,” said NOAA Special Agent Charles Tyer. “While most fishermen adhere to these fishing regulations, some need the watchful eye of enforcement close by and others only respond when faced with penalties or sanctions.”

Further investigation revealed that the red snapper were caught during a time when the commercial season was closed. Measurement of the fish found that 62 percent of the red snapper were also under the minimum size limit. The fish were sold on auction for $20,544, which is being held in escrow until the case is adjudicated.

The vessel's owner, captain, and crew now face federal charges for violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act and the Lacey Act, as well as Fraud, Conspiracy and smuggling charges.

“This is an example of collaborative work and agencies sharing information, with the common goal of putting a stop to activities like this,” said Col. Pete Flores, Law Enforcement Director at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “This might very well be the largest red snapper seizure on the Texas Coast. Hopefully, this apprehension will serve to deter those who have the same idea.”

To report illegal fishing activities contact the NOAA Fisheries’ Enforcement Hot Line at 800-853-1964.

NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to providing and preserving the nation’s living marine resources and their habitat through scientific research, management, and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources.