Law enforcement crews from US Coast Guard Station Islamorada intercepted a fishing vessel fishing illegally in American waters this week.
The Coast Guard received a report of a 36 foot motor vessel heading northbound from Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas and a law enforcement boat crew from Islamorada was dispatched to investigate the report.
Once on scene, the Coast Guard crew made contact with the motor vessel and discovered yellow tail snapper and Wahoo fish aboard. After consulting with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), it was recommended the Station Islamorada issue a fisheries violation and for the master of the vessel abandoned the illegal catch.
Jaret C Mats, Chief Warrant Officer, Station Islamorada commanding officer, said: “One important mission of Station Islamorada is the protection and enforcement of living marine resource laws which preserve our natural resources and are vital to maintain with the close proximity of our neighboring Bahamian waters."
He added: To prevent mariners from violating these laws, we need to enhance the knowledge of our boating public through education and enforcement.”
Protection and management of vital living marine resources in US waters is a primary mission of the US Coast Guard, in addition to search and rescue and homeland security.
