NOAA Enforcement Seizes Herring from Canadian Tender Vessels

Special Agents with NOAA Fisheries Service’s Office for Law Enforcement have seized approximately 130 tons of herring from two Canadian tender vessels in Sitka. On March 24, 2006, the boats were observed operating outside the legal area to receive fish from U.S. fishing vessels participating in the Sitka Sound herring sac roe fishery.

Foreign vessels, including Canadian tender vessels, are authorized to offload fish from U.S. fishing vessels in designated areas, as authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act. In the Sitka vicinity, the legal area lies within “Port of Sitka” boundaries. NOAA special agents allege that the two vessels, the Nimpkish Producer No. 1 and the Westview No.1, received herring outside the Port boundaries.

“The U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska State Troopers’ Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement provided essential evidence by locating the vessels and verifying that these Canadian vessels were unlawfully receiving herring,” said Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Jay Nicodemus, Office for Law Enforcement – Alaska Division.

The cases have been referred to NOAA’s Office of General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation for civil prosecution.

Reports of unlawful fishing activities received from the public will be investigated and violators will be prosecuted. To report unlawful fishing activities contact the National Marine Fisheries Office’s Enforcement Hot Line 800-853-1964.

To report illegal fishing activities contact the NOAA Fisheries Service’s Enforcement Hot Line at 800-853-1964.

NOAA Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation’s marine resources and their habitats through scientific research, management and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries Service provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

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