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(Pinellas County, Fl.(Florida News Network)- Two Florida fishermen are facing multiple charges, accused of catching several protected fish species, including a juvenile bottle-nose dolphin by the use of illegal gill nets. Gill nets have been banned in Florida waters since 1995.
Tips left on FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline led officers to Gandy Beach in Pinellas County where officers arrested 30 year old Yunior Rosales Morales, and 34 year old Yandie Concepcion, both of Tampa.
Evidence included out of season snook, red fish, six bonnet head sharks and over 3,000 square feet of mono filament netting. The men are charged with three felonies and 28 misdemeanors. Because bottle-nose dolphins are federally protected the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is looking into possible additional charges related to the death of the small dolphin.
The two suspects were arrested and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on the following charges:
Felony - illegal use of gill net
Felony - failure to transit gill net
Felony - possession of gill net on vessel less than 22-foot
Misdemeanor - stop netting
Seven misdemeanors - snook out of season
Seven misdemeanors - llegal method of take for snook
Six misdemeanors - undersize snook
Three misdemeanors - redfish out of season
Misdemeanor - oversize redfish
Misdemeanor - over the bag limit of bonnet head sharks
Misdemeanor - illegal method of take for shark
Misdemeanor - major violation pertaining to snook and redfish
The maximum penalty for each third-degree felony charge is five years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine, and each second-degree misdemeanor holds a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
“Our officers work hard to protect Florida’s precious natural resources and egregious violations such as these are reminders of why our work is so important,” said SW Regional Commander, Maj. Roger Young. “The use of this type of fishing gear is not only illegal but it is harmful to fish and wildlife by indiscriminately killing much of the fish and wildlife that become entangled in it.”
Photo credit:Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement Tampa Field Office