Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries Service
- Office for Law Enforcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 4, 2006
CONTACT: |
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Mark Oswell
(301) 427-2300
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NOAA ENFORCEMENT SEIZES HERRING FROM
CANADIAN TENDER VESSELS
Special Agents with NOAA Fisheries Service’s Office for
Law Enforcement have seized approximately 130 tons of herring from
two Canadian tender vessels in Sitka. On March 24, 2006, the boats
were observed operating outside the legal area to receive fish
from U.S. fishing vessels participating in the Sitka Sound herring
sac roe fishery.
Foreign vessels, including Canadian tender vessels, are authorized
to offload fish from U.S. fishing vessels in designated areas,
as authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation
and Management Act. In the Sitka vicinity, the legal area lies
within “Port of Sitka” boundaries. NOAA special agents
allege that the two vessels, the Nimpkish Producer No. 1 and the
Westview No.1, received herring outside the Port boundaries.
“The U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska State Troopers’ Bureau
of Wildlife Enforcement provided essential evidence by locating
the vessels and verifying that these Canadian vessels were unlawfully
receiving herring,” said Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge
Jay Nicodemus, Office for Law Enforcement – Alaska Division.
The cases have been referred to NOAA’s Office of General
Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation for civil prosecution.
Reports of unlawful fishing activities received from the public
will be investigated and violators will be prosecuted. To report
unlawful fishing activities contact the National Marine Fisheries
Office’s Enforcement Hot Line 800-853-1964.
To report illegal fishing activities contact the NOAA Fisheries
Service’s Enforcement Hot Line at 800-853-1964.
NOAA Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving
our nation’s marine resources and their habitats through
scientific research, management and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries
Service 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.
On the Web:
NOAA Fisheries Service Office for Law Enforcement: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole
NOAA Fisheries Service: www.nmfs.noaa.gov
NOAA: www.noaa.gov
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