Black Market Stripers?

[bobber]

1. black market for bass? yes
2. anyone transporting bass? yes (you should see FultonMarket in NYC)
3. ignores quota? no, not a specific individual
4. selling undersize bass? not just bass....
5. fishing in the EEZ- yes (not just commercially)
6. called DEC? no
7. having an impact? somewhat
8. what to do? makes violations more substantial to actually be a DETERRENT. poachers laugh at the fines now

[piemma]

Do you think there is a large black market for striped bass? Yes
Do you know anyone who is transporting fish illegally from one state to another in order to sell them? Yes
Do you know anyone who ignores the quota and takes as many fish as he/she feels they can hide and sell? Yes
Do you know of instances where someone takes lots of undersized fish and sells them to restaurants? Yes
Do you know fishermen that illegally target fish in the EEZ for sale? No
Have you ever called DEM or DEC to report a violator only to have no response? Yes
Do you think this illegal activity is having a negative impact on the health of the striper population? Yes
What do you think we need to do to help eliminate this problem?
Bigger fines and loss of boat/equipment