Council Advisor thief..

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » February 26th, 2004, 8:09 am

2003-329 GULF OF MEXICO FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL ADVISOR CHARGED WITH VIOLATING RED SNAPPER REGULATIONS

Commercial representative for the red snapper advisory panel for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC), Russell G. Underwood, 49, of Florida was charged November 2 with violating commission rules and regulations for taking undersize commercial red snapper and violating prohibitions of interstate commerce regulations.

The Special Investigative Unit of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division charged Underwood, captain of the fishing vessel Norman B, homeport of Lynn Haven, Florida, for the violations in Vermillion Parish. The offenses allege that Underwood caught, possessed and was attempting to sell in interstate commerce approximately 96 undersized red snapper.

The penalty for commercially taking and possessing undersized red snapper caries a fine of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both. The penalty for attempting to sell undersized red snapper in interstate commerce carries a penalty of up to $950 in jail, jail for not more than 120 days, or both. Underwood may also be required to pay restitution for the undersized red snapper.

Underwood has represented the commercial industry on the GMFMC Red Snapper Advisory Panel for several years.

Agents participating in the case were Sr. Agent Billy Gomillion and Cadet Joel Cromp.

Post by **Cranfield** » February 26th, 2004, 8:24 am

Naughty, naughty boy.

So, he was charged on November 2nd 2003............its now February 26th 2004.............your wheels of Justice turn slowly.

Post by **Tom Keels** » February 26th, 2004, 8:58 am

Makes you realize what the recs are up against with these folks. FOXES SHOULD NOT GUARD HENHOUSES.

Littoral · Post by **Littoral** » February 26th, 2004, 9:29 am

Yes, representing the commercial fishing industry.

Post by **Atticus** » February 26th, 2004, 9:55 am

I have an idea-

Take the total pounds of illegal fish
Multiply that by the rate at which the fish sells at wholesale

Get an amount and then charge this guy with grand theft of that amount (I assume it will be a felony amount).

The penalties they have listed there are nothing

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » February 26th, 2004, 10:25 am

Yea they should confiscate their rig and all there equipment, revoke their license, and send uthem up the creek..

Post by **Sir reel** » February 26th, 2004, 11:04 am

Doesn't sound like the penalties are strong enough to be much of a deterrent

Post by **Reel Country** » February 27th, 2004, 9:32 am

per fish penalty. alot stiffer at around $125,000 in fines.