Coast Guard issues violations for illegal fishing near Cape Romain

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville Office: 904-714-7606/7607 After Hours: 305-318-1864 PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

Coast Guard issues violations for illegal fishing near Cape Romain

 

 

Editor's Note: Click on images to download high-resolution version.

CHARLESTON, S.C.  — A Coast Guard boarding team issued fishing and safety violations Thursday to a vessel 19 miles east of Cape Romain, South Carolina.

The 44-foot fishing vessel The Long Line was found actively laying and retrieving fishing pots in a prohibited area. 

The Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant noticed The Long Line crew setting their pods Wednesday night and later retrieving the pods Thursday morning. A Cormorant boarding team conducted a living marine resources boarding and cited the crew for failing to comply with area restrictions. The Long Line had approximately 800 pounds of illegally caught Black Sea Bass on board and was also issued two safety violations.

The Coast Guard and NOAA are in coordination to pursue civil penalty against the vessel's captain for illegally fishing.

"This is a great example of interagency coordination to stop illegal fishing," said Lt. Casey Paris, the Cormorant's commanding officer. "Our marine resources are extremely valuable to the public and our nation."

The Long Line crew returned to their homeport in Little River, South Carolina.

The Cormorant is an 87-foot Patrol Boat stationed in Charleston.

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

-USCG-