Enforcement

Regulations went into effect July 1, 1997.
Year 1 enforcement effort was primarily aimed at education.
Increased emphasis on sea grass protection.
18 cases Year 1, 32 cases Year 2, and 105 cases year 3.
Funding of Law Enforcement Technician at NMFS has facilitated case management.
The FWC pilot has contributed greatly to the patrol effort.
Additional Law Enforcement Positions
4 positions funded April 2000; 6 additional positions funded October 2001.
1 Lieutenant and 2 Officer Positions have been identified and will be on line in July 2001, assigned to Tortugas patrol. The 2 Officers are currently in the FWC academy. The 7 remaining posiitons are expec ed to be designated by the end of July 2001; all positions should be in the field in March of 2002.
Officers worked 196 overtime hours in Year 2 and 3069 overtime hours in Year 3.
Patrol vessels
A US Coast guard 41 ft. cutter has been obtained & refitted for offshore patrol.
Three new patrol vessels have been obtained and are currently operating in the Upper Keys. A fourth vessel is under construction and will operate in the Key West Area.
Two 81 ft. cutters for Tortugas patrol obtained from US Coast Guard are scheduled for delivery in August and October of 2001.