Maine Marine Patrol Archives - Page 2 of 3

MAINE: Marine Patrol Officer Matthew Wyman Honored for Professional Excellence

April 21, 2017 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:

Maine Marine Patrol Officer Matthew Wyman has received the 2017 Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chief’s Award. The award, presented April 10, 2017 at the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, honors a law enforcement official for professional excellence. The Conference brings together regional natural resources professionals in many fields including law enforcement.

Officer Wyman was recognized by Marine Patrol Sergeant Matthew Talbot, who nominated him for the award, for his depth of skill and knowledge and for his painstaking investigation of violations that threaten Maine’s valuable marine resources.

“As a Marine Patrol Officer working Mid-Coast Maine, Officer Wyman spends much of his time working activity associated with Maine’s lucrative lobster fishery,” said Sergeant Talbot. “Officer Wyman is dedicated and involved in the conservation of Maine’s lobster fishery. He is fair minded and he conducts thorough investigations. His efforts, experience, teamwork, and commitment greatly contributed to multiple lobster fishery violations being identified and addressed.”

Sergeant Talbot highlighted several cases in which Officer Wyman demonstrated exceptional effort and ability. “During 2016 Officer Wyman was instrumental in a lengthy investigation involving a lobster harvester who was found to be illegally fishing unmarked, untagged, sunken lobster traps in offshore waters,” said Sergeant Talbot. “In addition to spending a great deal of time underway, Officer Wyman exhibited skill in drafting search warrants and managing the technological portion of the investigation.”

Sergeant Talbot also applauded Officer Wyman protecting the future of Maine’s lobster resource. “Officer Wyman also participated in an investigation into a lobster harvester who was found to be scrubbing egg bearing lobsters. This is an egregious resource violation and he worked smartly and efficiently alongside his fellow officers to help build a solid case,” said Sergeant Talbot.

“Officer Wyman consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism,” said Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “He has the respect of his peers and of the fishing community.”

The Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association is a professional organization comprised of the chiefs and senior command staff from the 13 northeastern states, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Officer for Law Enforcement and the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The Maine Marine Patrol enforces Maine’s marine resources laws for commercial and recreational activity. Officers are involved in investigative and protective services work, including the enforcement of marine resource conservation law, rules and regulations. Officers patrol an assigned coastal area by land and air and aboard patrol vessels, protecting marine resources, coastal property and the public.

Lobster boat captain charged in crewmen’s deaths arrested after reported overdose

March 27, 2017 — A Cushing captain accused of causing the deaths of two crew members when his lobster boat sank in a storm is behind bars again after he reportedly overdosed on heroin.

Christopher A. Hutchinson, 28, was arrested Thursday by the Maine Marine Patrol after U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby issued an arrest warrant for him Wednesday.

Hutchinson was in the Cumberland County Jail on Friday night after being transferred from the Knox County Jail in Rockland.

He is scheduled to go on trial later this year on two counts of seaman’s manslaughter for the deaths of Tom Hammond, 27, of Rockland and Tyler Sawyer, 15, of St. George and Waldoboro. The two were crew members aboard his lobster boat No Limits, which sank on Nov. 1, 2014.

Hutchinson was arrested Dec. 19 on the seaman’s manslaughter charges and released three days later on $10,000 unsecured bail. The court imposed conditions that Hutchinson not use or possess illegal narcotics.

But on March 13, Waldoboro emergency medical services and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an unresponsive man at a residence in Friendship, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland.

Officials found Hutchinson unresponsive, not breathing and with a faint pulse, according to the report. Two doses of the drug Narcan were administered to Hutchinson, who then regained consciousness.

Hutchinson refused to be taken to the hospital and claimed he had been working long hours and had not eaten. He also said he was a diabetic.

Read the full story from The Courier Gazette at The Portland Press Herald

MAINE: State seeks more authority in investigations of suspected lobstering violations

January 3, 2017 — Legislation is being drafted to make it easier for Maine Marine Patrol officers to secretly install tracking or surveillance devices on boats.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources is drafting legislation that would expand the authority of Marine Patrol officers to covertly install electronic surveillance devices on the boats of fishermen suspected of violating state fishing regulations.

The proposal is similar to one that faltered in the Legislature two years ago and is a response to ongoing concerns that some lobstermen are fishing more traps than allowed or engaging in other tactics to skirt Maine’s strict fisheries laws. The proposal also coincides with high-profile turf wars or personal disputes between lobstermen last year that resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost or damaged equipment.

The language of the bill has not been released, and DMR officials declined to provide specifics until the legislation has been finalized, consistent with a LePage administration policy. But in a general outline, DMR spokesman Jeff Nichols said the proposal would ease restrictions on Marine Patrol officers when they want to install electronic tracking or surveillance equipment on boats as part of investigations.

It was unclear last week whether the Marine Patrol would be required to obtain a warrant from a court before deploying surveillance devices, a question that could dictate whether the proposal raises constitutionality concerns among fishermen. But it appears the department is seeking to make it easier to track vessels of fishermen suspected of violations of fishing laws, whether civil or criminal.

Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald

Two Men Have Lobster Licenses Suspended for Six Years for Removing Eggs from Lobsters

December 14th, 2016 — The following was released by The Maine Department of Marine Resources:

The Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources has suspended the lobster licenses of two men for removing the eggs from female lobsters. The violation is a Class D crime which, in addition to license suspension, is punishable by up to a year in jail and fines in excess of $1,000.

The licenses of Dexter Bray, Jr., 36 of Stonington and Philip Poland, 42 of Cushing have been suspended for 6 years as a result of separate investigations conducted earlier this year by Maine Marine Patrol.

The Bray investigation, led by Marine Patrol Officer Rustin Ames, resulted in charges of removing the eggs of two female lobsters for which Bray is facing fines of up to $1,600 in addition to as much as a year in prison and the license suspension.

The crime came to light by an anonymous complaint received in the spring by Officer Ames that Bray was “scrubbing” lobsters, which is the act of artificially removing eggs from the underside of a female lobster’s tail.

Officer Ames followed up on the complaint and began an investigation that involved Marine Patrol Specialist Sean Dow. The investigation revealed that Bray had landed and attempted to sell two egg-bearing female lobsters at a lobster co-op in Stonington.

The Poland investigation, led by Marine Patrol Officer Brandon Bezio, resulted in charges of removing eggs from three female lobsters for which he faces up to a year in prison and fines up to $1,900 in addition to his license suspension.

This investigation also began with an anonymous complaint received during the summer. Officer Bezio followed up on the complaint and, with the help of Marine Patrol Officer Matthew Wyman, and Specialist Corrie Robert, determined that Poland had scrubbed the eggs from three lobsters in his possession.

“Scrubbing lobsters is one of the most serious violations of marine resource laws we see,” said Marine Patrol Colonel Jon Cornish. “By removing eggs to make a short-term monetary gain, criminals deny future generations of fishermen the opportunity those eggs represent. Just as important, they undermine the work law abiding harvesters do every day to sustain this important resource.”

“I’m extremely proud of the thorough investigation conducted by the Officers involved in these cases,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “These are very difficult cases to make and the Officers did an outstanding job bring this behavior to and end.”

Bray, who fished in lobster Management Zone C, was notified after a length of suspension hearing on November 2, 2016 with Commissioner Keliher that his license would be suspended for six years, allowing him to regain his license on May 19, 2022.

Poland, who fished in Zone D, was notified after a length of suspension hearing on November 15, 2016 with Commissioner Keliher that his license would be suspended for six years, allowing him to regain his license on July 8, 2022.

Illegal fishing fears prompt 2-tag plan for lobster traps

November 7, 2016 — A proposal intended to curb costly trap wars would require Maine lobstermen to put two tags on traps they set outside their licensed fishing territory.

Right now, every trap that is set along Maine’s 3,500-mile coast must have at least one tag, which identifies the fisherman who owns it. That 50-cent tag is the primary enforcement tool the Maine Marine Patrol uses to make sure a lobsterman is hauling only his or her own traps.

Under state rules, Maine lobstermen can set up to 49 percent of their traps outside of their home fishing zone. In two zones along the coast, where fishermen are competing hardest for prime ocean bottom, lobstermen are already required to put second tags on traps dropped outside their home zone. Now, the Maine Department of Marine Resources wants to extend double-tagging to all seven lobster zones to make it easier to catch lobstermen who are fishing too many traps outside their zone.

“It’s a big ocean,” said Maj. Rene Cloutier of the marine patrol. “We know our waters, but we only have so many hands, and so much time. Without double-tagging, (enforcement) is an all-encompassing thing.”

That’s because without a second tag requirement, the marine patrol would have to haul more than 392 traps in one day to prove a fisherman with the maximum 800 allowable traps had broken the so-called 49/51 rule, said Cloutier. The agency has done just that, Cloutier said, but it takes a lot of time and manpower – two or three officers on two or three boats – and fishermen know that.

With the second tag, a patrol officer only has to check a handful of lines, and if the traps are properly tagged, it’s a strong indication that the lobsterman is complying with regulations.

Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald

MAINE: Two Men Charged with Lobster Theft

November 1, 2106 – The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:

Two men have been charged with theft after a month-long investigation by the Maine Marine Patrol revealed they stole lobsters from two dealers.

Troy J. Woodman, 34 of Warren and Shane Hall, 29 of Portland have both been charged. Woodman was arrested by Marine Patrol Sergeant Robert Beal Monday, October 17 and taken to Cumberland County Jail.

Hall is currently in Knox County Jail facing a total of six other charges including aggravated assault and kidnapping for allegedly forcing a woman into his car as she walked home in Rockland in late September.

The Marine Patrol investigation revealed that the two men stole lobsters from Quahog Lobster in Harpswell. According to Marine Patrol reports, the thefts took place between late-September and mid-October.

The thefts were uncovered through surveillance conducted by Marine Patrol Officers Rebecca Kavanaugh and Christopher Hilton as well as Sergeant Beal.

“We take cases like this very seriously,” said Marine Patrol Colonel Jon Cornish. “Theft of this magnitude deprives hard working, law abiding Mainers of their livelihood and undermines our coastal economy. I’m very proud of the Officers and Sergeant for their thorough investigation.”

Woodman has been charged with one count of Class C Theft for allegedly stealing lobsters from Quahog Lobster on September 17. Additional theft charges against Woodman are expected for thefts that occurred at Quahog Lobster on September 24, 25, 27, and October 6, and at Maggie’s Seafood in South Bristol on October 9 and October 16.

Hall has been charged with one count of Class D Theft and one count of Class C theft for allegedly stealing lobsters from Quahog Lobster on September 25 and 27.

A total of 19 crates filled with lobster were allegedly stolen by the two over the course of the seven days. The estimated value of the stolen lobster and crates exceeds $9,000.

In Maine Class C crimes carry a penalty of up to 5 years in jail and a fine of $5,000 while Class D crimes are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.

An investigation into the sale and purchase of the stolen lobsters is on-going.

MAINE: Operation Game Thief Offers $15,000 Reward for Information on Lobster Trap Cutting Incidents

October 31st, 2016 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:

An escalation of trap cutting incidents in recent weeks along the line that separates Maine’s lobster zones B and C has prompted a $15,000 reward from Operation Game Thief for information that will help Marine Patrol in its investigation.

“This has been going on since early summer but in recent weeks we have received numerous reports of traps being cut along the B/C line, and the possibility of these incidents continuing to escalate has prompted me to approve additional Marine Patrol assets including overtime and vessels to support investigations into these incidents,” said Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher.

“While these incidents are territorial disputes among a few harvesters, I will take whatever action is necessary to bring a stop to these violations, including closing the area associated with these incidents,” said Keliher. “I don’t want to take an action that could potentially penalize law abiding harvesters, but I am committed to preventing this from escalating even further.”

“This trap war is without a doubt the most costly loss of gear I have witnessed in my 32 year career with the Maine Marine Patrol,” stated Colonel Jon Cornish. “In this instance gear loss is estimated to far exceed $350,000 dollars. Trap molesting is a serious offence with the potential for multiple year license suspensions. We are working hard to investigate these incidents and are grateful for the support of the Operation Game Thief program.

Lobster Zone B extends from Schoodic Point to Newbury Neck while Zone C stretches from Newbury Neck to Cape Rosier.

“Maine’s lobster industry has a long-standing commitment to responsible harvesting practices and the marine resource laws that ensure opportunity for so many in Maine,” said Operation Game Thief Board Chairman Greg Sirpis. “So when the actions of a few threaten the livelihood of those fishing within the law, the OGT Board of Directors will step up. The Maine OGT Board of Directors hopes this significant reward will prompt someone to come forward with information that will bring these violators to justice.”

This investigation is on-going. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-253-7887 (1-800-ALERT-US); out of state callers dial 1-207-287-6057. Information can also be provided through the OGT online Tip Reporting Form at http://www.maineogt.org/report.php. Information provided by phone or the Tip Reporting Form can be provided anonymously.

MAINE: Marine Patrol Investigates Third Sinking of Lobster Boat in two Months

October 3, 2016 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:

The Maine Marine Patrol is investigating the third sinking of a lobster boat belonging to Anthony Hooper of Tenants Harbor in two months.

The most recent sinking occurred at some point between Friday evening, September 30, and Saturday morning, October 1.

Marine Patrol Officers Brandon Bezio and Matthew Wyman were notified Saturday morning by the boat’s owner. Marine Patrol is investigating the sinking in cooperation with Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

The first sinking occurred between the evening of August 16 and the morning of August 17. The second sinking occurred between the evening of September 28 and September 29 and the third just two nights after the boat was raised and repaired. Each incident occurred in Port Clyde where the boat is moored.

The 35 foot fishing vessel Liberty has again been raised by its owner and is under repair.

This investigation is on-going. Anyone with information about the sinking of the fishing vessel Liberty is encouraged to contact their local Marine Patrol Officer or the State Police at 800-452-4664. Contact information for Maine Marine Patrol can be found here.

Two Maine lobstermen accused of running illegal fishing operation

September 13, 2016 — Two midcoast lobstermen have been charged with running an illegal fishing operation.

Duston Reed, 34, of Waldoboro was arrested Aug. 18 and charged with fishing lobster traps that were not marked by a buoy, fishing untagged lobster traps, falsifying physical evidence and tampering with a witness, the Maine Marine Patrol said in a news release Monday.

Jeremy Yeaton of Friendship, Reed’s sternman, was arrested Aug. 28 and charged with falsification of physical evidence. Yeaton removed marine electronics used to navigate and locate fishing gear from Reed’s vessel, Outer Limits, the marine patrol said.

Marine patrol officers recovered 40 unmarked, untagged lobster traps during the seven-month investigation, a significant violation of Maine’s marine resource laws, marine patrol Col. Jon Cornish said.

Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald

Maine Marine Patrol Focusing on Boating Under the Influence

June 23, 2016 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:

The Maine Marine Patrol will be on heightened alert for those violating Maine’s boating under the influence laws during the national Operation Dry Water weekend, June 24-26.

Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) that focuses on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Marine Patrol Officers will be conducting patrols on Maine’s coastal waters from Kittery to the Canadian border focused on boaters who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Maine Marine Patrol Major Rene Cloutier.

“They will also be taking every opportunity possible to provide information on safe boating practices and the importance of wearing life jackets.” According to US Coast Guard statistics, 85 percent of drowning victims in 2015 were not wearing a life jacket.

Nationally, alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. According to the US Coast Guard, in 2015 alcohol use was the primary factor in nearly one-fifth of boater deaths.

Law enforcement agencies from every U.S. state and territory are expected to participate in Operation Dry Water weekend, focusing their efforts on detecting impaired boaters and educating the public about the dangers of boating under the influence.

“The decision about whether to boat under the influence is a choice,” said Major Cloutier. “Boating under the influence is a 100 percent preventable crime. The Maine Marine Patrol strongly encourages boaters to stay safe by staying sober while boating.

“Environmental stressors such as wind, noise, and the movement of the boat while on the water intensify the effects of alcohol or drug use on an individual while boating. Boaters can become impaired more quickly on the water than on land.”

In 2015, law enforcement officers from 582 local, state and federal agencies across the U.S. made 278 BUI arrests for both drugs and alcohol, issued 17,942 citations and made contact with over 125,087 boaters during the annual three-day weekend.

The Maine Marine Patrol participated in 11 Operation Drywater details in 2015. The operation involved 21 Officers. Patrols took place in the Penobscot River, the Kennebec River, Boothbay Harbor, Southport Island, Portland, Harpswell, Bar Harbor, Rockland, Matinicus Island and Castine. A total of 107 boats were checked with 329 persons on board. 30 warnings were issued for various safety equipment deficiencies.

Operation Dry Water is a boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign with the mission of reducing the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.