San Francisco Fisherman Cited for 27 Violations; Permanently Suspended from Commercial Fishery

November 28, 2006

Release from:
NOAA

An investigation conducted by special agents with NOAA Fisheries' Office for Law Enforcement revealed that a longtime San Francisco-based commercial fisherman had taken 27 fishing trips without installing a vessel monitoring system, as required by federal regulations. Vessel monitoring systems use satellite communications and a global positioning system to allow authorities to track commercial fishermen and ensure they do not enter restricted or prohibited fishing grounds. The vessel owner's permit has been revoked, and NOAA has permanently banned this fisherman from participating in any federally regulated fishery, some of the most significant sanctions ever imposed against a participant in the West Coast groundfish fishery. A monetary penalty was also assessed.

For more information, read the NOAA news release.