Enforcement Actions
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Read the semiannual document that lists enforcement actions taken in each division from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. |
On a weekly basis, we'll post highlights of our enforcement actions here as well as occasional examples of high-interest violation notices.
Weekly Highlights—February 12, 2013
Northeast Division:
- A change of plea hearing was held for William Lowery, who admitted to illegally harvesting striped bass in violation of the Lacey Act. As part of his plea agreement, he will serve 30 days in jail and pay a $5,000 fine, as well as make $1,300 in restitution to NOAA, surrender his captain’s license for life, and serve a term of supervised release that further restricts him from engaging in the charter fishing industry in any capacity.
Southeast Division:
- Ashu Bhandari, former president and CEO of GEM Manufacturing, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for his role in a scheme to illegally import CITES-protected black coral into the United States, where it was used to make high-end jewelry and art objects. Bhandari was sentenced to pay $918,950 and serve one month in jail, followed by one month of home confinement and one year of supervised release, during which he will be required to complete 300 hours of community service and be banned from any business venture involving coral or coral products. In addition to the fine, Bhandari will be required to pay $229,687 to the University of Virgin Islands to be used for community service projects designed to research and protect black corals.
Southwest Division:
- NOAA special agents, with assistance from California Department of Fish and Game wardens and deputies from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, served an arrest warrant on a subject who physically assaulted a 3-month-old elephant seal pup. A bench warrant was issued after the subject failed to appear in federal court on two separate criminal summonses. The subject was released on a $10,000 bond and is awaiting trial.
Outer Banks Swordfish Fisherman Charged by NOAA—Jan 28
An Outer Banks swordfish fisherman has been charged by NOAA with multiple fisheries violations over a two-year period. Chris "Chomps" Hanson, captain of the fishing vessel Big Eye and Stanmar Inc., the owner of the fishing vessel Big Eye, have been assessed a $57,500 civil penalty by the NOAA Office of the General Counsel Enforcement Section for failing to carry observers on fishing trips, failing to report logbook data, and falsely submitting a "No Fishing Reporting Form. Read the full story >>.
