Department of Commerce
NOAA Fisheries
Office for Law Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2003

NOAA FISHERIES AND SOUTH CAROLINA OPERATION TARGETS FISH DEALERS AND RESTAURANTS

Five special agents from NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement (OLE) and 19 officers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) conducted a joint operation on Sept. 24 and 25. The operation, which targeted 75 businesses suspected of multiple violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, discovered 10 businesses along the South Carolina coast that were illegally purchasing multiple species of Federally regulated fish.

The 38 seafood dealers and 37 restaurants targeted in the operation were suspected of purchasing fish without a Federal dealer permit, purchasing undersized fish, purchasing fish in excess of the legal bag limit, and purchasing fish that were sold by unlicensed fishermen.

The OLE has subsequently initiated several Federal investigations for various violations related to the illegal purchase of fish including tuna, shark, amberjack, red porgy, sea bass and vermillion snapper.

"We covered the entire South Carolina coast," stated Special agent Mark Kinsey, NOAA Fisheries OLE - Charleston Field Office. "Of the 75 businesses, we documented 10 in violation of Federal law and those investigations are now underway."

According to Deputy Special Agent in Charge Tracy Dunn, NOAA Fisheries OLE - Southeast Division, this operation stems from numerous complaints that have been received by both the state and federal law enforcement offices regarding the illegal harvest and illegal purchase of seafood harvested in federal waters.

"This operation sends a clear message to the fishing community that illegal practices will not be tolerated," stated Major Alvin Taylor of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Unlawful purchase and sales impugn the integrity of the majority of the fishers who abide by state and federal conservation measures designed to protect our valuable marine resources."

Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, maximum civil penalties include monetary penalties of $120,000 per violation.

"Accurately monitoring the harvest and sale of seafood products is an important step in managing and conserving fish stocks," said Chief Dale J. Jones, NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement's senior official. Operations of this nature demonstrate the continued cooperation between NOAA Fisheries OLE and the South Carolina DNR.

NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation's living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement, and the conservation of marine mammals and other protected marine species and their habitat. To learn more about NOAA Fisheries, please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov