Violations Of Fishing Laws Are A Big Problem For Conservation Officers | North Woods Law

Summary

In this video script, Sergeant Adam Cheney and Conservation Officer Chris McKee investigate fishing violations, including overfishing limits and improper gear use. They encounter a fisherman with more than the allowed number of bass, leading to a ticket and a one-year suspension of his fishing license. The officers also address a suspended fisherman's non-compliant lobster traps in federal waters, highlighting the importance of conservation to ensure resources for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🚔 Sergeant Adam Cheney and Conservation Officer Chris McKee were conducting a routine check for fishing regulations compliance.
• 🎣 They were investigating complaints about people fishing over the legal limit and found a man fishing with a tackle box and lawn chair.
• 👨‍👦 A father and his child were also spotted fishing nearby, which the officers acknowledged as a positive sight.
• 🔍 The officers checked the fishing license and discovered that the man had caught more than the allowed number of bass.
• 🐟 The man claimed the fish in his bucket were for food, but the officers found that he had at least 15 bass, exceeding the limit of 5 per person per day.
• 🚨 The man was informed that he would receive a ticket for having an over-limit of fish, with fines totaling $285.20.
• 🈲 His fishing license would be suspended for one year if found guilty.
• 📝 The officers emphasized the importance of preserving and conserving fish for future generations and the negative impact of overfishing.
• 🔗 The officers also checked lobster traps for compliance with federal regulations and found issues with a fisherman's gear in federal waters.
• ⚠️ The fisherman had a history of violations, leading to a suspension in state waters and forcing him to fish in federal waters.
• 📐 The officers found unmarked traps and extra gear, which is illegal and considered as stealing from other fishermen and damaging the fishery resources.
• 📞 Officer Arsenault communicated with the violator, highlighting the federal offense and the serious implications of his actions.

Q & A

Who are the main characters in the script?

The main characters in the script are Sergeant Adam Cheney and Conservation Officer Chris McKee.

What was the initial reason for the officers to approach Dan?

The officers approached Dan to investigate complaints of people fishing over the limit.

What did the officers observe about the man fishing by the water?

They observed a man with a tackle box and a lawn chair, along with a little kid, and they decided to check them.

What was the man's initial response when asked about the contents of his bucket?

The man initially claimed that the bucket contained his food.

How many fish did the man have in his bucket, and what was the legal limit?

The man had at least 15 fish in his bucket, while the legal limit was 5 fish per person per day for bass.

What actions did the officers take after discovering the man had an over-limit of fish?

The officers decided to take the man back to the vehicle to count the fish and have him pick up all his equipment.

What was the fine for having an over-limit of fish, according to the script?

The fine for having an over-limit of fish was $524, with an additional $12.40 fine for each fish over the limit.

What were the consequences for the man found with an over-limit of fish?

The man faced a fine of $285.20, and his fishing license was to be suspended for one year upon conviction.

What is the significance of the officers' actions in terms of fish conservation?

The officers' actions are significant for preserving and conserving fish resources to ensure they are available for future generations.

What issue was found with the lobster traps in New Hampshire waters?

The issue found with the lobster traps was that the gear was not in compliance with federal regulations, and the fisherman was under suspension in New Hampshire waters.

What was the problem with the fisherman's gear in federal waters?

The problem was that the fisherman had extra traps, which put pressure on the resource that was not planned for by scientists and biologists, essentially stealing from other fishermen.