Finally, one of the many boats fishing in the EEZ gets hit with a legit fine. How do we assign this judge to all related cases going forward?

https://thefishingwire.com/9000-penalty-against-striped-bass-poacher-in-exclusive-economic-zone/

About time Toby. This wanton slaughter without repercussions has gone on for far too long.

Good for him, small fines are nothing more than a slap on the wrist and these poachers factor it into their cost of doing their illegal trade.

How do we assign this judge to all related cases going forward?

Yes, a judge who finally understands it isn't about only a few fish.
Thanks Toby

In assessing the penalty in this case, Judge Coughlin considered McLaughlin’s actions in both discarding striped bass and fleeing law enforcement as aggravating factors. Judge Coughlin also explained: “While unlawful possession of one or two fish may not seem to be of consequence to [McLaughlin] when considered in a purely individual context, when it is considered amidst the backdrop of an already struggling fishery and a seemingly rampant disregard for its conservation by “prolific” unlawful fishing activity, such behavior, even individually, is especially grave.”

They usually post the state the poacher is from. Anyone know if he's from Rhode Island? Whether he had any commercial endorsements or licenses?

As an aside I was always puzzled that those captains who fish on the legal side of the line did not publicly call out those who were regularly fishing in the EEZ.

No need to go there this year ...... its differcult not to catch them :bl:

Good.

At last.

Finally some good news for those who care about the fishery.
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