CTFishTalk.com: New Bedford fisherman forced to give up 800-pound tuna - Connecticut General Topics ( CT General Topics ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

Soundbounder · Joined: 13 Nov 2011 Posts: 66

Boat owner Rafael, a big player in the local fishing industry, was elated when the crew of his 76-foot steel dragger Apollo told him they had unwittingly captured a giant bluefin tuna in their trawl gear while fishing offshore.

“They didn't catch that fish on the bottom,” he said. “They probably got it in the midwater when they were setting out and it just got corralled in the net. That only happens once in a blue moon.”

Rafael, who in the last four years purchased 15 tuna permits for his groundfish boats to cover just such an eventuality, immediately called a bluefin tuna hot line maintained by fishery regulators to report the catch.

When the weather offshore deteriorated, the Apollo decided to seek shelter in Provincetown Harbor on Nov. 12. Rafael immediately set off in a truck to meet the boat.

“I wanted to sell the fish while it was fresh instead of letting it age on the boat,”he said.“It was a beautiful fish.”

It was also a lucrative one. Highly prized in Japan, a 754pound specimen fetched a record price at a Tokyo auction in January this year, selling for nearly $396,000. These fish can grow to enormous size. The world record for a bluefin, which has stood since 1979, was set when a 1,496-pound specimen was caught off Nova Scotia.

However, when Rafael rolled down the dock in Provincetown there was an unexpected and unwelcome development. The authorities were waiting. Agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement informed him they were confiscating his fish — all 881 pounds of it.

Even though the catch had been declared and the boat had a tuna permit, the rules do not allow fishermen to catch bluefin tuna in a net.

“They said it had to be caught with rod and reel,” a frustrated Rafael said.“We didn't try to hide anything. We did everything by the book. Nobody ever told me we couldn't catch it with a net.”

In any case, after being towed for more than two hours in the net, the fish was already dead when the Apollo hauled back its gear, he said.

“What are we supposed to do?” he asked. “They said they were going to give me a warning,” Rafael said. “I think I'm going to surrender all my tuna permits now. What good are they if I can't catch them?”

No charges have yet been filed in connection with the catch, but a written warning is anticipated, according to Christine Patrick, a public affairs specialist with NOAA who said the fish has been forfeited and will be sold on consignment overseas. Proceeds from the sale of the fish will be held in an account pending final resolution of the case, NOAA said. No information on the value of the fish was available Friday.

“The matter is still under investigation,”said Monica Allen, deputy director with NOAA Fisheries public affairs. “If it's determined that there has been a violation, the money will go into the asset forfeiture fund.”

“I think I'm going to surrender all my tuna permits now. What good are they if I can't catch them?”

Cap Cod Times
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111121/NEWS/111129971

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi!

Here's a good example of regulations being over interpreted.
And in my opinion, some over zealous fisheries officials pushing their authority around.

That tuna was an inadvertant and lucky catch.
Since the man did have tuna permits (played by the rules) and this was not a deliberate intended catch, then he should be allowed to keep and reap the reward of such a catch.

Money -> All boils down to Money!

SeaDog1

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

I read this last night. So upsetting, I feel bad for the guy. I understand there are rules and regulations but c'mon...
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Steve

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

I feel bad for the guy but.... if you are commercial fishing Im sure the rules or laws are more clear about net vrs pole for fish. Heck they are pretty clear for us as far as what can and cant be caught and when we need to file a barb off or not.
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There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

Megaman · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 85 Location: Central CT

So what happened to the $400,000 tuna?? Did it go to waste? Or did the Feds confiscate it, freeze it, and bring it to Commrade Obama so he and Michele can have it with French fries?? I hope it didnt just go to waste...This guy needs to 1.get the tuna in a freezer 2.Hire a lawyer ASAP....
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Success Favors the Brave..........

Soundbounder · Joined: 13 Nov 2011 Posts: 66

Soundbounder · Joined: 13 Nov 2011 Posts: 66

Busted twice this year for installing hidden compartments on his boats

Fisherman Forced to Give Up Tuna has History of Violations

http://boatinglocal.com/news/fisherman-forced-to-give-up-tuna-has-history-of-violations.html