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Scalloper fined $10,000 for quota violation |
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NEW BEDFORD — The crew of the New Bedford scalloper Dinah Jane gambled and lost when they tied up at the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction Saturday morning. As a general category vessel, the day boat is allowed to land only 400 pounds per trip. But a search of its hold turned up more than twice that amount. Its entire catch, just over 1,000 pounds, was immediately seized by law enforcement officers.
Officer Ian Marcotte of the Massachusetts Environmental Police went aboard the 62-foot steel vessel at about 9.30 a.m. for a routine inspection and asked one of the three-man crew if they had brought in more scallops than they were allowed. He became suspicious, he said, when the man replied, "Not that I know of." Read the complete story from The South Coast Today.
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HASTINGS: Time to improve the Endangered Species Act
May 18, 2012 - When the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law in 1973 by President Nixon, he spoke about the importance of preserving “the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.” I believe that goal is as important today as it was back then. However, after nearly 40 years, it’s time to take a fresh, honest look at the law and consider whether there are ways it could be improved to do a better job of protecting and recovering species.
