Authorities in Massachusetts were in for a surprise after acting on a tip from an assistant harbormaster, uncovering an illegal operation that could threaten New England’s lucrative commercial fishing industry if it goes on unchecked.
What’s happening?
WTAP reported in June that officials had issued $51,000 in civil fines to five men after they discovered 1,000 fish, including undersized black sea bass and scup, in coolers on an idling boat. Kevin Carter, the assistant harbormaster, first flagged the situation to authorities.
“I thought [the boat] was very suspicious. They asked me for fuel, but their engine was still running,” Carter said. Authorities said the men had no permits to fish in Westport waters.
Bill Chase, the incoming harbormaster, added that the illegal haul wasn’t a one-off situation. “This was a coordinated large operation which has roots and tentacles in other states,” he said.
Why is this important?
According to estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the commercial fishing industry generates significant revenue for the New England region, which encompasses Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island…