Department of Commerce
NOAA Fisheries
-Office for Law Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2005

$330,000 PENALTY LEVIED AGAINST New Bedford Fisherman

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has charged Brian M. Roche, owner of the fishing vessels Regina’s Pride, Gulf Voyager, and High Flyer with three Notice of Violation Assessments totaling $330,000, and twenty-two months of vessel sanctions.

Each vessel is assessed separately; Regina’s Pride: $200,000 and a one year vessel sanction, Gulf Voyager: $80,000 and a six month vessel sanction, and High Flyer: $50,000 and a four month vessel sanction. Roche is charged for violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

NOAA Special Agents conducted a year-long investigation and subsequent analysis of the vessel’s documentation. The investigation revealed numerous violations including: exceeding monkfish possession limits, failing to submit fishing vessel trip reports, failing to comply with the days-at-sea notification program and landing sharks without a federal shark permit.

“This investigation is significant, because this fisherman has demonstrated a persistent disregard toward mandatory reporting requirements and vessel possession limits,” said Special Agent Joseph D’Amato, NOAA Fisheries Service Office for Law Enforcement – Northeast Division.

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

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving our 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.

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.