Coast Guard issues violations for illegal fishing near Cape Romain

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
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Coast Guard issues violations for illegal fishing near Cape Romain

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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.

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