For Release: Thursday, August 13, 2009
Two Charter Boat Captains Charged in DEC Investigation
DEC Police Investigation Results in 53 Summons for Illegally Catching and Consuming Fluke on Board
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) issued 53 summons over the weekend after investigating allegations that two Montauk-based party boats and their crew were assisting party boat passengers to illegally catch and consume fluke.
According to Region One ECO Captain Timothy Huss, ECOs began their investigation after receiving complaints that customers aboard the Marlin Princess VI and Miss Montauk, were filleting and eating fluke while on board.
"Those who violate the law for profit should be aware that DEC's Environmental Conservation Officers are skilled law enforcement professionals who will go to extraordinary lengths to protect the environment and vulnerable wildlife populations," DEC Director of Marine Resources James Gilmore said.
On Aug. 9, four plains clothes officers (two per vessel) boarded the boats and documented that customers were filleting fluke on board, failing to keep fluke racks, keeping undersized fluke and keeping over the limit fluke. Officers observed customers eating raw fillets while the trip was ongoing -- and that they were being advised by vessel personnel to dispose of undersized fish and to hide illegal fillets.
A total of 53 summons were issued, including tickets to the mates and captains of each vessel. All charges are violations and carry a penalty of up to $250 per violation. More than 60 fluke were seized as part of the investigation.
The law enforcement operations was a joint operation between DEC Region One (Stony Brook) ECOs and ECOs from DEC's Marine Enforcement Unit. United States Coast Guard personnel also assisted in the law enforcement operation.
Individuals spotting illegal activities are encouraged to call DEC's Environmental Conservation Officers at (631) 444-0250 during business hours, and 1-877-457-5680 or 1-800-TIPP-DEC at all other times to report suspected illegal activities.
