Nov. 4, 2009
Three Upper Peninsula men were implicated in an illegal gill netting operation this week on the waters of Big Bay de Noc in Delta County.
Conservation officers from the Department of Natural Resources' Commercial Fish Enforcement Unit made contact with three men illegally harvesting fish using a gill net in the early hours of Monday, Nov. 2.
Officers seized 1,100 pounds fish which consisted of primarily whitefish, with a very small amount of burbot and walleye. The wholesale value of the whitefish was approximately $860. In addition, a 14-foot boat, motor and trailer were confiscated, along with 1,200 feet of gill net and other gear used in the operation.
A misdemeanor charge will be sought through the Delta County Prosecutor's Office for fishing with an illegal device, along with a felony resisting and obstructing an officer charge for one of the men who fled the scene on foot.
A second individual will be arraigned in the Delta County court later this month on misdemeanor charges of fishing with an illegal device.
The third man will be charged in the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal Court for subsistence fishing without a license.
Condemnation proceedings will be initiated by the officers for all of the gear seized. For the fishing violations, the men could face up to 90 days in jail and receive up to a $1,000 fine. In addition, the cost of restitution for the fish could range into the thousands of dollars. The penalties for resisting and obstructing an officer are up to two years in prison and up to a $1,000 fine.
Anyone can report a wildlife or fish violation to the DNR by calling the Report All Poaching line at 800-292-7800. Information can be left anonymously, and cash rewards are sometimes given to persons who leave information that leads to arrests.
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