NOAA Fisheries News Releases
NEWS RELEASE
June 11, 2003
Kevin Heck
(907) 271-5745
Sheela McLean
(907) 586-7032
HOMER SPORT HALIBUT FISHERMEN BUSTED
Two sport fishermen were recently caught near Homer with halibut in excess of the daily limit aboard their boat. They forfeited the illegal fish and must pay fines totaling more than $3,000.
In response to complaints, NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement and the Alaska State Troopers Fish and Wildlife Protection Division were conducting a joint operation in Homer, Alaska targeting sport halibut fishermen who were suspected exceeding their halibut limits. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is part of the Commerce Department.
“Such joint operations will be conducted throughout the summer at popular sportfishing ports” said NOAA Fisheries Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Heck.
On Sunday, May 30, NOAA Fisheries enforcement officers boarded a sport fishing vessel with two people onboard. The fishermen had twenty-one fish over their limit. One fisherman was fined $1,650 and the other $1,500. The fishermen have 30 days to appeal.
The seized fish were donated to The Arc, a Homer assisted-living center, and to the Homer Senior Center.
Fishermen are allowed to catch two fish per day with a two-day possession limit (halibut sport fishing regulations, 50 CFR 300 section 24(2)(b) and section 24(7)). A copy of the regulations can be downloaded at www.iphc.washington.edu, or can be obtained from any NOAA Fisheries Enforcement office.
NOAA Fisheries Enforcement reminds fishermen to review the regulations before going fishing. Violations of the North Pacific Halibut Act are serious. Fishermen who violate these quotas can be fined up to $25,000 per violation.
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (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. To learn more about NOAA Fisheries in Alaska, please visit our Web site at: www.fakr.noaa.gov.