CT Party Boat Middlebank Busted In NY Waters with Short Fluke
DEC ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION RESULTS OF PARTY BOAT INSPECTION DETAIL
Connecticut Party Boat Caught Concealing Undersized Fluke in New York State Waters
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the results of an enforcement detail led by several Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) at approximately 11 a.m. on June 9th 2007. The investigation was organized in response to numerous complaints regarding Connecticut party boats allegedly taking undersized fluke in the Long Island Sound.
Lt. Dallas Bengel* accompanied by ECOs Chrisman Starczek and Matthew Blaising* boarded the Connecticut party boat MIDDLEBANK II* Captained by Timothy Griffin* by Buoy 10 on the Long Island Sound between the towns of Mount Sinai and Port Jefferson. ECOs inspected ship personnel for proper permits and checked coolers for fish size; all permits were present and fish within regulation size. Captain Griffin was asked if any other fish were on the boat and ECOs received a negative response.
ECOs requested to inspect the bait station and* following a quick search* found eight hidden undersized fluke. Every fluke was over 18" long* compliant with Connecticut regulations* but under 19.5"* below New York fishing regulations. If the party boat was able to return to Connecticut waters uninspected* no charges could be filed due to the shorter size regulations of Connecticut although the fish were caught in New York waters. The boat was boarded approximately two nautical miles off of Sound Harbor* approximately four nautical miles away from Connecticut waters.
The party boat was charged with possession of undersized fluke* and due to the its commercial status* can be charged up to $500 per undersized fish.
The party is to appear on July 23 in Suffolk County First District Court in Islip to face the charges. Individuals spotting illegal activities are encouraged to call DEC’s Environmental Conservation Officers at (631) 444-0250 during business hours* and 1-877-457-5680 at all other times to report suspected illegal activities.
For more information onfishing permits and regulations* please visit the DEC website at
http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/regulations.htm