Mid-Atlantic - Maryland DNR and NOAA Enforcement Officers Seize Illegal Striped Bass
On November 4, 2005, NOAA's Office for Law Enforcement and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police seized 2,702 pounds of striped bass from a commercial fishing vessel in West Ocean City, MD. The vessel operator was allegedly fishing for striped bass within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Atlantic Ocean, an area 3 miles offshore. Federal regulations make it unlawful to fish for, harvest, possess, or retain any striped bass from the EEZ.
Additional investigations related to this vessel's fishing activity led to the seizure of proceeds from the catch caught on the preceding day, for similar violations. The total amount seized over the two day period was 7,990 pounds of striped bass. For more information on this case, contact
[email protected].
To report illegal fishing activities, please call the NOAA Fisheries Service Enforcement Hot Line: 800-853-1964.
seized 2,702 pounds of striped bass
