Invasive species discovered during a traffic stop and taking tautog too early are some of the cases handled by ECOs in this week’s fishing compliance checks:
- On September 15, a New York City Police Officer from Brooklyn contacted ECO Rappold after arresting the operator of a motor vehicle stopped for running a red light. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 29 mitten crabs. Mitten crabs are an invasive species prohibited in New York State. It is illegal to possess, sell, purchase, transport, or import the crabs. ECOs Broughton and Rappold arrived at the precinct, interviewed the alleged crab smuggler, and issued a ticket. The crabs were seized and destroyed. The defendant was arrested by the New York City Police Department on unrelated charges. For more information about mitten crabs and their impact on New York’s environment, visit the DEC website.
- On September 18, ECOs Clinger, Farner, and Rappold conducted marine fishing checks in Jamaica Bay, Queens. The Officers found multiple violations during their patrol including individuals in possession of tautog (blackfish) during the closed season, undersized seabass, and over the daily limit of seabass. ECOs issued several tickets and educated the anglers about New York’s recreational marine fishing regulations.
- On September 23, ECO DeRose received a complaint about individuals keeping tautog at the Smith’s Point Jetty in Suffolk County prior to the Oct. 15 season opener. As Officer DeRose responded, he received a second phone call reporting that the subjects had packed up and were leaving the jetty. The witness provided a description of the individuals and their vehicle. ECOs DeRose and Simmons arrived at the beach entrance and waited. The vehicle passed by a short time later and the Officers interviewed its occupants, asking to see the fish they had caught. The driver attempted to steer the Officers’ attention to the back seat instead of a cooler in the rear cargo compartment. The ECOs inspected the cooler and discovered 17 out-of-season tautog. They seized the fish and ticketed both the driver and passenger for possessing tautog out of season. Each ticket carries a potential fine of up to $850. The passenger received an additional ticket for not having a valid marine registry and the driver picked up another citation from Suffolk County Park Rangers for not having the required 4×4 equipment. The tickets are returnable to Suffolk County First District Court.