Department of Commerce
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries Service
- Office for Law Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2005

NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE AND MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SEIZE STRIPED BASS

On November 4, 2005, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office for Law Enforcement and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police seized 2,702 pounds of striped bass from the commercial fishing vessel (FV) Rita Diane in West Ocean City, MD. The vessel operator, George Topping, was allegedly fishing for striped bass within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Atlantic Ocean, an area 3 miles offshore.

"Unlawful fishing activities can produce larger profits for violators, but in the end can cost the fisherman much more than they made" said Cpl. Sean Kille, Maryland Natural Resources Police. "With this operation we have addressed several concerns expressed by both the commercial and recreational fishermen about fishing unlawfully within the EEZ for striped bass."

Federal Regulations make is unlawful to fish for, harvest, possess, or retain any striped bass from the EEZ.

"We want to make sure that the playing field stays fair for all fisheries" stated Special Agent Steve Niemi, NOAA Fisheries Service Office for Law Enforcement - Northeast Division. "This case was made by Maryland Natural Resources Police personnel who used information gleaned from several sources to develop the investigation."

Additional investigations related to the FV Rita Diane's fishing activity led to the seizure of proceeds from the catch caught on the preceding day as well, for similar violations. The vessel and George Topping allegedly fished within the EEZ on both days and landed over 5,200 pounds of striped bass. The total amount seized over the two day period was 7,990 pounds of striped bass. The fish is valued at approximately $15,800.

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

NOAA Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation's living 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.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, 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. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners and nearly 60 countries to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes.

On the Web:
NOAA Fisheries Service: www.nmfs.noaa.gov
NOAA: www.noaa.gov