Two lobstermen charged with running illegal operation
Following a seven-month investigation, the Maine Marine Patrol has charged two midcoast lobstermen with operating an illegal fishing operation.
Maine Marine Patrol officials say that Duston Reed of Waldoboro was arrested last month and charged with fishing with lobster traps that weren’t marked with a buoy. The Lincoln County lobsterman was also charged with fishing with untagged lobster traps, falsifying physical evidence and tampering with a witness.
Reed’s sternman Jeremy Yeaton of Friendship also was arrested and charged with falsification of evidence related to removing electronics from Reed’s boat, Outer Limits.
According to patrol officials, 40 unmarked, untagged traps were recovered by Marine Patrol Officers after an investigation determined where they were located.
“Violations of this magnitude that show a clear intent to conceal illegal activity and to disregard our important resource laws will be taken very seriously,” Maine DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher said in a statement.
Reed’s two fishing-related charges carry potential fines totaling $2,500. The charge of falsifying physical evidence is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. The charge of tampering with a witness is punishable by up to five years in prison, according to a release from the Maine Marine Patrol. If convicted, Reed could lose his lobster, commercial fishing and scallop licenses.
If convicted, Yeaton could face up to 364 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
“Marking lobster traps with buoys and tags allows Marine Patrol to identify the harvester associated with the traps and to ensure compliance with our important resource laws which are designed to sustain Maine’s valuable fisheries,” Marine Patrol Colonel Jon Cornish said in a statement.
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