News - Florida-Offshore.Com http://florida-offshore.com/ Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:09:47 -0500 FeedCreator 1.8.0-nukeFEED (http://nukeSEO.com) National Marine Protected Areas http://florida-offshore.com/article4670.html

Commerce and Interior Departments Announce National System of Marine Protected Areas of the US

The U.S. departments of Interior and Commerce today jointly announced the availability of the final Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States, completing a cooperative, multi-year effort to provide a comprehensive approach to the protection of the nation’s natural and cultural marine treasures.

The National System of Marine Protected Areas is the first formal mechanism for coordinating MPAs across all levels of government. The agencies also announced the nomination process for federal, state, territorial, tribal and local sites to join the National System of Marine Protected Areas.

MPAs are defined areas where natural or cultural resources are given greater protection than the surrounding waters. In the U.S., these areas may span a range of habitats including the open ocean, coastal areas, inter-tidal zones, estuaries, and the Great Lakes.

“Today’s announcement highlights a new focus on working together across jurisdictions to conserve our common ocean heritage,” said Timothy Keeney, deputy assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere. “Through the national system of MPAs, we will have a more efficient, effective approach to conservation of the nation’s important natural and cultural marine resources.”

The publication of the Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States of America provides a blueprint for building the national system of MPAs. The framework outlines key components of the national system, including overarching national system goals and priority conservation objectives; MPA eligibility criteria; a nomination process for existing MPAs to be included in the national system; and a science-based, public process for identifying conservation gaps in existing protection efforts where new MPAs may be needed.
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“A national system of MPAs will ensure that our ocean’s resources are conserved for future generations,” said Kaush Arha, deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks. “Our nation as a whole will benefit from this comprehensive and representative system that not only enhances conservation and collaboration, but also identifies areas that are currently not adequately protected to ensure their long-term viability.”

In addition to public comments, extensive advice on the development of the national system and the Framework came from the 30-member MPA Federal Advisory Committee (MPA FAC) – a group composed of natural and social scientists, state and tribal resource managers, commercial fishermen, anglers, energy and tourism industry representatives, divers, and environmentalists. The MPA FAC was created in 2003 and has been working since then to develop recommendations for designing and implementing the national system.

Mark Hixon, MPA FAC Chair and Professor of Zoology at Oregon State University, notes that “Marine Protected Areas can be a controversial topic, yet the process we announce today is evidence that people with different views and interests can collaborate on the management of our valuable ocean resources.”

MPA FAC Vice-Chair Bob Zales II, owner of Bob Zales Charters in Panama City, Fla., and President of the National Association of Charterboat Operators, added, “The national system provides a science-based and transparent process for identifying areas where new protection efforts may be needed. This is the type of open process that ocean users want to see.” 

Presidential Executive Order 13158 of May 2000, calls for a scientifically based, comprehensive national system of MPAs that represents the nation’s diverse marine ecosystems and natural and cultural resources. NOAA’s National Marine Protected Areas Center led its development on behalf of the departments of Commerce and Interior, and in consultation with federal agencies, coastal states and territories, tribes, federal Fishery Management Councils, and the public. The national system does not establish any new legal authorities to designate MPAs, but provides a mechanism for MPAs across all levels of government to work together more effectively to achieve common goals. 

The Department of Commerce, through NOAA, and the Department of the Interior will build the national system gradually over time. Priority conservation objectives, identified in the Framework document, will guide the development of the national system and identify existing MPAs to be included, as well as conservation gaps which might be addressed through the establishment of new MPAs.

Today also marks the start of the nomination process for sites to join the national system.  MPAs meeting the eligibility criteria defined in the Framework are invited to nominate themselves through their federal or state managing agency. All nominated sites will be available for public comment.

MPAs that are accepted into the national system will be the focus of cooperative efforts to address common resource management challenges and will be placed on the official List of National System MPAs, which will be available to the public via the Federal Register and on the Marine Protected Areas Web site.

NOAA expects the final Framework document to be published in the Federal Register on Nov. 19. The Framework document is available for download.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4670.html NOAA IS SEEKING COMMENTS ON A PROPOSED RULE TO CHANGE GAG, RED GROUPER, AND SHAL http://florida-offshore.com/article4669.html NOAA IS SEEKING COMMENTS ON A PROPOSED RULE TO CHANGE GAG, RED
GROUPER, AND SHALLOW-WATER GROUPER MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN
THE GULF OF MEXICO

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA
Fisheries Service) is seeking public comment on a
proposed rule that would implement measures to end
overfishing of gag and revise shallow-water grouper
(SWG) management measures as a result of changes in
the stock condition.

The most recent assessments for
gag and red grouper indicate changes in stock condition.
For gag, landings need to be reduced to end overfishing
and be consistent with the fishing mortality level needed
to harvest the optimum yield. For red grouper, the stock
condition has improved and allows for an increase in
harvest. To ensure harvest targets are met, the rule
proposes annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability
measures (AMs) for these species. These measures are
outlined in Amendment 30B to the Fishery Management
Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico
submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Council.

The proposed rule was published in the
Federal Register on November 18, 2008, with the
comment period ending January 2, 2009.

Proposed Management Measures

For the recreational fishery, the proposed rule would:
- Establish ACLs and AMs for gag and red
grouper.
- Reduce the gag bag limit to two fish per person
per day and the aggregate grouper bag limit to
four fish per person per day.
- Increase the red grouper bag limit to two fish per
person per day.
- Extend the closed season for recreational
shallow-water grouper to February 1 through
March 31.

For the commercial fishery, the proposed rule would:
- Establish ACLs and AMs for gag, red grouper,
and SWG.
- Establish a commercial quota for gag of 1.32
million pounds (mp) in 2009, 1.41 mp in 2010,
and 1.49 mp in 2011.
- Increase the commercial quota for red grouper to
5.75 mp.
- Set the SWG quota as the sum of the gag and red
grouper quotas with an additional 0.41 mp
allowance for other SWG species.
- Establish an incidental bycatch allowance trip
limit for commercial gag and red grouper of 200
pounds for the species that first reaches 80
percent of its quota.
- Reduce the commercial minimum size limit for
red grouper from 20 inches to 18 inches total
length to reduce bycatch.
In addition, the proposed rule would:
- Establish the Edges 40-fathom contour seasonalarea
closure. This area will be closed to all
fishing for Council-managed species from
January 1 through April 30 each year and is
intended to protect gag and other groupers
during their respective spawning seasons.
- Eliminate the end date for the Madison-Swanson
and Steamboat Lumps marine reserves.
- Require a person aboard a federally permitted
Gulf of Mexico commercial or for-hire reef fish
vessel to comply with federal regulations for
reef fish species regardless of where the fish are
harvested to increase compliance with federal
regulations.

Accountability Measures and Annual Catch Limits

The proposed rule would address requirements of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act that ACLs and AMs be in place for
stocks undergoing overfishing by 2010. The ACL must
be set ‘‘at a level such that overfishing does not occur in
the fishery.’’

 AMs are management measures
established with ACLs to end and prevent overfishing.
Proposed AMs for gag and red grouper give the NOAA
Fisheries Service Assistant Administrator (AA) the
authority to shorten the fishing season for a particular
sector if that sector’s landings go over the ACLs. The
recreational AM would provide the AA the authority to
shorten the fishing year in the following year if the ACL
is exceeded, while the commercial AM would give the
AA the authority to shorten the fishing season within the
fishing year and in the following year if the commercial
ACL is exceeded. Recreational ACLs would be defined
as multi-year running average landings, with exception
of the first year which would use only 2009 landings.

Dates and Addresses
Written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m.,
Eastern time, on January 2, 2009. You may submit
comments by any of the following methods:
● Electronic Submissions: Federal e-Rulemaking Portal:
http://www.regulations.gov. All comments received are
part of the public record and will generally be posted to
http://www.regulations.gov without change. All
personal identifying information (for example, name,
address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter
may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential
business information or otherwise sensitive or protected
information. NOAA Fisheries Service will accept
anonymous comments. To submit comments enter
“NOAA-NMFS-2008-0203” in the keyword search and
then select for the proposed rule “send a comment or
submission.” Attachments to electronic comments will
be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or
Adobe PDF file formats only.
● Mail: Peter Hood, Southeast Regional Office, NOAA
Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St.
Petersburg, Florida 33701.
● Fax: 727-824-5308, Attention: Peter Hood.
The proposed rule is also available via the Internet at
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (do an
advanced search under proposed rules for “page
68390”). Printed or electronic copies of the rule and
Amendment 30B can be obtained from the Southeast
Regional Office by contacting Peter Hood (see address
above).
Comments must be received by January 2, 2009, to be
considered by NOAA Fisheries Service in its decision on
the final rule. All comments received by NOAA
Fisheries Service specific to the proposed rule will be
addressed in the final rule.
]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4669.html Bureau of Land Management Finalizes Rules That Could Add Billions of Barrels of http://florida-offshore.com/article4668.html

Bureau of Land Management Finalizes Rules
That Could Add Billions of Barrels of Oil to U.S. Supply



WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As part of its ongoing effort to increase and diversify America's energy supply, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management today published final regulations to establish a commercial oil shale program that could result in the addition of up to 800 billion barrels of recoverable oil from lands in the Western United States.

In keeping with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, the BLM final regulations provide the critical “rules of the road” on which private investors will rely in determining whether to make future financial commitments to prospective oil shale projects. 

 “The U.S. needs all types of energy resources, both conventional and renewable, in order to meet our future needs,” said Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management at Interior C. Stephen Allred.  “Production from domestic resources makes us more secure and less vulnerable to future energy crises, and increases our security and economic well-being.  The tremendous oil shale resources that we have in the U.S., containing several times the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia, can be a vital component of that secure future.”

Oil shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock containing organic matter from which oil may be produced. The regulations provide for a thoughtful, phased approach to oil shale development on public lands in the West.  Commercial development of oil shale will not begin until it is technologically viable, which is not expected for several years.  The regulations will provide a basis for decisions, as “rules of the road” for the large investment that will be necessary for industry to develop technologies to extract the resource in an environmentally sound manner.  Those investments could exceed $1 billion.

Before any oil shale leases are issued, additional site-specific National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis would be completed on the proposed development.  Once a lease is issued, the lessee will also have to obtain all required permits from state and local authorities, under their respective permitting processes, before any operations can begin.  Another round of NEPA analysis would be conducted before any site-specific plans of development are approved. 

The leasing regulations incorporate provisions of the Energy Policy Act and the Mineral Leasing Act relating to: maximum oil shale lease size; maximum acreage limitations; rental; and lease diligence.  The rule also establishes a royalty rate based on a time-adjusted rate, beginning at 5% during the first 5 years of commercial production, and then rising 1% every year thereafter until the rate reaches 12.5%.  Forty-nine percent of the royalties are shared with the states within which the leases are found.

The regulations address provisions of the Energy Policy Act that establish work requirements and milestones to ensure diligent development of leases.  Standard components of a BLM leasing program ─ including lease administration and operations ─ are included, as well as additional NEPA documentation requirements for lease applicants.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. holds more than half of the world’s oil shale resources.  The largest known deposits of oil shale are located in a 16,000-square mile area in the Green River formation in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.  Federal lands comprise 72 percent of the total surface of oil shale acreage in the Green River formation. 

“Oil shale is a strategically important domestic energy source that should be developed to reduce the nation’s growing dependence on oil from politically and economically unstable foreign sources,” said BLM Director James Caswell.  “The BLM is taking extraordinary steps to improve our domestic energy security, including the establishment of regulatory regimes designed to boost geothermal, solar and wind development and protect our public land resources.”

Throughout the process, the BLM will collaborate and consult with affected states, tribes and local governments to ensure that their interests and concerns surrounding the oil shale program continue to be addressed.  For instance, the site-specific NEPA analyses would include the same opportunities for public involvement and comment that are part of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement process. 

The regulations are just one of several steps designed to harness these vast energy resources. The BLM has also issued research, development and demonstration (RD&D) leases for five oil shale projects in Colorado’s Piceance Basin and one in Utah.

In addition, Assistant Secretary Allred signed the Record of Decision today on a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) that would amend several resource management plans to open lands for application for potential oil shale leasing in the future.  In the PEIS, the BLM amended land-use plans in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming to set aside approximately 1.9 million acres of public lands for potential commercial oil shale development.  Additional site-specific NEPA analysis will have to be completed before leasing or development occurs.

The Oil Shale Regulation on the electronic desk of the Federal Register today is at:
http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-27025_PI.pdf

]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4668.html NOAA Announces Up to $47 Million for Hurricane Damage to Fisheries in Louisiana http://florida-offshore.com/article4667.html

NOAA Announces Up to $47 Million for Hurricane Damage to Fisheries in Louisiana and Texas  

November 18, 2008

NOAA’s Fisheries Service today announced the state of Louisiana will be eligible for up to $40 million and Texas will be eligible for up to $7 million in disaster aid to restore and rebuild the states’ fish habitats and fishing industries devastated by hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

“These two hurricanes hit communities that had not yet recovered from the disastrous Katrina and Rita hurricanes in 2005,” said Jim Balsiger, acting NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “We are pleased that the states have shown a strong interest in using this aid to restore damaged oyster reefs, remove storm debris that hinders the shrimp industry, and to rebuild processing houses, docks, ice houses, and other parts of the fishing infrastructure destroyed by the hurricanes.”

The states will now submit plans to NOAA’s Fisheries Service outlining how the funds will be used.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4667.html FWC Weekly Violations http://florida-offshore.com/article4666.html Note: I have been on vacation since Nov 1, so I did not get the opportunity to post the FWC Weekly Violations Reports from Oct 31 or Nov 6. Here are their links if you would like to view them now. This week's violations report (week of Nov 13) is below.

Click to open and view the PDF:

Week of October 30

Week of November 6

]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4666.html SOUTH REGION Violations http://florida-offshore.com/article4665.html SOUTH REGION Weekly Violations

BROWARD COUNTY

On November 8, Officers Robert Kuester and Eric Alford were on water patrol conducting routine marine fisheries inspections. As a result of their diligent efforts, fourteen citations were issued saltwater fishing license violations. Additionally, Officer Kuester found a subject possessing over-the-limit of snapper and another subject over-the-limit of red grouper, some of which were undersize. Officer Alford discovered two subjects with undersize red grouper and yellowtail snapper. All subjects were cited for the violations.

On November 11, investigators conducted follow-up inspections at Holiday and Sawgrass Recreational Parks. Holiday Park had initially been provided notice of enclosure fencing violations. A re-inspection determined that most of the deficiencies had been corrected. One enclosure still needed repair and the new manager was made aware. However, a citation was issued for an expired freshwater fish dealer license. At Sawgrass Recreational Park, an inspection was conducted on their new class I and II wildlife enclosures. While checking licenses, it was discovered their freshwater fish dealer’s license had also expired.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

Officer Jason Godwin responded to a trespassing complaint at Chandler Slough where it was reported that subjects had parked their car on the side of the road and entered the area. When Officer Godwin arrived, he observed a second vehicle parked near the first with a deputy sheriff talking to the driver. An interview of the driver and passenger revealed many inconsistencies; however, it was determined that they knew the trespassing subjects. The driver used a cell phone to call the subjects and advised them to return to the vehicle. One did but the other fled. It was later determined that the fleeing subject had numerous outstanding arrest warrants. The subject who returned was arrested for felony trespass and obstruction. An arrest warrant has been issued for the subject who fled.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Amanda Phillips was on patrol when she encountered multiple cases of fishermen possessing regulated, undersize fish. Three citations were issued for various species of undersize fish. Written warnings were issued for other violations.

On November 9, Officer Jeff Haynes and Lieutenant Chuck Russo responded to J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area’s south check station when a call was received about a possible suicidal subject. Palm Beach Sheriff Office deputies also responded and took the subject into custody for mental evaluation.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY

During a late night patrol, Officer Kyle Patterson encountered three subjects onboard a boat in the rim ditch canal, who appeared to be hunting for alligators. After observing their actions for a while, the officer approached the subjects after they landed the vessel to retrieve it from the water. The subject claiming to be hunting alligators showed Officer Patterson what appeared to be two legitimate permits. However, after the subjects departed, a computer check determined that he did not have a permit. An arrest warrant was requested and the subject was taken into custody several days later at his residence.

SOUTH REGION B

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

On November 6, an FWC captive wildlife inspector, University of Miami police detectives, and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent arrested the final suspect in the killing of an American crocodile on the University campus. Forensic evidence was collected from the vehicle used to transport parts of the crocodile and submitted to FWC’s forensic laboratory. Each agency used their unique talents to identify and capture the suspects. The Miami-Dade County State Attorney Office is prosecuting the multiple charge case.

On November 10, the operator of a vessel involved in an August 7 boating accident that resulted in a fatality was arrested for BUI manslaughter. The victim drowned when he fell off an inner tube which was being towed behind the vessel. At the time of the accident, a blood draw was taken to measure the operator’s alcohol impairment level. Test results showed he was over two times the legal limit. The subject was arrested at the FWC Miami Office and transported to the county jail.

On November 11, investigators caught three Burmese pythons within a 50 yard span of an area known as the 8.5 Square Mile. The smallest snake measured nine feet and the largest measured eleven feet. The snakes were captured alive and taken to a permitted facility.

MONROE COUNTY

Investigator David McDaniel responded to a fatality that occurred on a vessel that was anchored in the Upper Keys. While it appears the death was not boating accident related, the incident is still under review.

A Monroe County investigator arrested three subjects for theft and possession of forty wrung undersize lobster tails, twenty-four of which were undersized.

Officer Joshua Peters and investigators arrested a Georgia resident for harvesting and selling gulf reef fish without the required permits. Over $925.00 worth of saltwater products were sold. Further charges may result after the investigation is completed.]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4665.html SOUTHWEST REGION Weekly Violation http://florida-offshore.com/article4664.html SOUTHWEST REGION

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

On November 7, Officer Jason Semeyn completed a derelict vessel operation with the assistance of Charlotte County Environmental Services and Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. During the four-day operation, 36 vessels were located and marked for removal. The vessels will be removed with funds established through Charlotte County grants.

On November 9, Lieutenant Mike Frantz made contact with several persons who were fishing on a lake in Placida and observed several rifles in various vehicles. An active warrant check was conducted on the operator of a vehicle who had a rifle on the passenger’s side in plain view. Lieutenant Frantz discovered the subject was a convicted felon and was taken to Charlotte County jail.

On November 10, Lieutenant Darrin Riley and Officers Scott Kirsch, Adam Resnick, Brian Cazalot, Jason Cooke, and Justin Koble responded to search for a missing child who had disappeared in the woods behind Gator Wildness Boy Camp. After a three hour search, the child was found unharmed, approximately a quarter mile in the woods.

HERNANDO COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Israel Istre and K-9 Officer Joe Wolff located two subjects who had illegally entered the Croom Wildlife Management Area through a rest area near I-75. K-9 Mojo tracked the subjects to their hunting stands and the officers issued the appropriate citations.

On November 8, Lieutenant Kevin Grover was patrolling Croom Wildlife Management Area when he located three subjects camping in a non-designated area. When he approached the subjects, he observed a handgun in the waistband of one subject and a holster with a handgun that belonged to the other subject. After securing the subjects, they informed Lieutenant Grover they were openly carrying the firearms to intimidate anyone who might attempt to rob them or in case an animal should attack. Lieutenant Grover issued two of the subjects notices to appear for the open carry of a firearm and warned all three subjects for the illegal camping and for an illegal open fire.

On November 9, Lieutenant Kevin Grover responded to the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in search of two lost hunters. Through cell phone contact, Lieutenant Grover was able to direct the subjects out of the woods and to a main road. After locating the subjects, Lieutenant Grover warned them for not having a quota hunt permit.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Kristen Gavagni was on patrol near the Bluff Hammock Safety Zone in the Kissimmee River Public Use Area when she heard a gunshot in the safety zone, which is closed to hunting. Officer Gavagni apprehended two subjects hunting with shotguns in the closed area. Both subjects had felony convictions, making it illegal for them to possess a firearm. They were given notices to appear in court for hunting in the safety zone, and then released. Officer Gavagni will follow-up with the Highlands County State Attorneys’ Office concerning possible charges for the possession of firearms by convicted felons

On November 8, Lieutenant Joe Allen and Officer Joe Brooks received a complaint from a hunter in Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area (WMA) concerning two subjects entering the area with an airboat and hunting illegally. Both subjects were apprehended with center fire rifles, which are prohibited in the WMA. They were issued citations for the misdemeanor as well as citations for hunting without a quota hunt permit. A wild hog was seized and donated to Arnold’s Animal Rehab in Okeechobee.

On November 11, a 13-year-old boy was injured in a hunting accident in Highlands County. The accident occurred when the boy jumped from the rear of a pickup truck with his hand over the barrel of a loaded .410 gauge shotgun. The shotgun discharged when the gun butt struck the ground. The boy suffered serious injury to his left hand and was transported to Tampa General Hospital. Officer Jared Cloud conducted a preliminary investigation and Investigator Larry Jernstedt is conducting a follow-up investigation.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

On November 9, Officers Alton Still and Brad Clayton were on patrol in south Hillsborough County when they observed a slow moving vehicle with a subject in the vehicle displaying a light. After conducting a traffic stop the officers found the subjects in possession of a .357 caliber pistol. The subjects were issued a notice to appear for displaying a light at night while in possession of a gun.
Later that evening, Officers Still and Clayton observed subjects in a vehicle shine a hand-held spotlight into the wooded areas of the Alafia State Park and the Mosaic Mines Property. The officers stopped the vehicle which was occupied by six subjects who were in possession of a firearm and an open container of alcohol. The vehicle had an expired license plate, and a restraining/ protection order between the driver and a passenger was also in affect. The officers issued the appropriate citations.

On November 11, Officers Brad Clayton and Alton Still were working an area that has had illegal hunting and trespass activity in the past. They observed a vehicle stop at a gate then all the vehicle lights shut off. The officers watched the vehicle for a while and as they approached, the driver started the vehicle and left the area at a high rate of speed. The officers stopped the vehicle which was occupied by two subjects who were in possession of a .22 caliber rifle. The driver was arrested after a check for wanted persons revealed the operator had an outstanding warrant from Hillsborough County.

LEE COUNTY

On November 6, Investigator Larry Jernstedt and Lieutenant Steve Mevers were inspecting records at a wholesale fish dealer when a pickup truck pulled into the parking lot with several coolers in the rear of the vehicle, then departed quickly. After a short period, the truck returned with only two small coolers, which were empty. The officers left the seafood dealer and waited a few miles away for the truck to leave the dealer. The truck was observed traveling down the highway with the rear of the truck full of coolers. The officers followed the truck until it parked at a duplex and made contact with the operator. The operator was a known commercial angler with a long history of resource violations. Officers discovered commercial quantities of seafood product and a scale used for retail sales. The angler first advised that he was transporting the product for a fish dealer and then changed his story advising that the product was for his personnel consumption. A records check revealed that he had failed to renew his wholesale and retail dealer’s license. Investigator Jernstedt issued the angler two citations for over the recreational bag limit of pompano and shrimp.

On November 11, Officers Adam Resnick, Brian Cazalot, Blake Hoelscher, and Justin Koble conducted a Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) inspection on the water at Matanzas Pass. The inspection resulted in four MSD violations and two uniform boating citations.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Matt Ervin observed three hunters on two airboats attempting to take wildlife from moving vessels in Gardener Marsh, near Ike’s Hammock. He notified Lieutenant Joe Allen and Pilot Mike Wood who were patrolling by helicopter. Lieutenant Allen and Pilot Wood located both airboats and observed one of the subjects on foot enter into Ike’s Hammock, which is closed to hunting. Two subjects were charged with attempting to take wildlife from a moving vessel and one subject was charged with hunting in a closed area. The subjects charged with hunting from a moving vessel had been warned earlier that day by Officer Ervin.

On November 9, Office Dirk Williamson checked two subjects cast netting commercially for shiners in Lake Kissimmee. One of the men was charged with not having a commercial fishing license and the other had an outstanding warrant for petit theft and was transported to the county jail.

PASCO COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Donald Jones checked two small fishing vessels north of Port Hudson, in the Gulf. After a boating safety inspection, Officer Jones issued seven written warnings for boating violations. In addition, the three subjects involved were found to be in possession of an undersized redfish, measuring just over 14 inches. A wants and warrants check was conducted on each of the individuals and one of the subjects had an active warrant out of Hernando County for failure to pay child support. The subject was delivered to the county jail without further incident.

On November 9, Officer Donald Jones and Lieutenant Pamela Hoback responded to a vessel that was stranded off Sea Pines, in the Gulf. The operator of the vessel had hit a rock and could not get the vessel to shore. The operator said he had a breathing disorder and use of only one lung. He did not bring oxygen with him because he was only planning to watch the sun set. The operator and four passengers were safely taken to Hudson Ramp where they were met by a relative who brought oxygen. The vessel had no lights on it and the U.S. Coast Guard was notified so a “notice to mariners” could be issued.

PINELLAS COUNTY

On November 6, Officers Ed Chambers and Dieter Iten, David Salcido and a U.S. Coast Guard Officer conducted an offshore patrol into the Florida Middle Grounds. The crew of the “Fin Cat” boarded and checked ten long line and bandit fishing vessels. Their inspections led to one state case for possession of undersize vermillion snapper, and one federal case which was turned over to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

On November 7, Officer Ed Chambers, Lieutenants Mike Dunnigan, Ed Prouty, and Captain Roger Young, conducted an offshore patrol south of the Florida Middle Grounds. This crew on the “Fin Cat” boarded eight long line and bandit vessels. Their inspections led to multiple federal violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (M-SFCMA). The case was turned over to the National Marine Fisheries Service.]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4664.html Northeast REGION Violations http://florida-offshore.com/article4663.html NORTHEAST REGION

BREVARD COUNTY

On November 6, Officer Kris Culver worked the north side of Sebastian Inlet from 12:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. targeting illegal snook fishermen. During his surveillance, Officer Culver conducted a fisheries inspection of a vehicle that had been there all night with suspicious activity around it. Officer Culver asked the defendant if he had any luck and the man replied "no". When asked for consent to check the man's two coolers he agreed. The defendant was found to be in possession of two undersized snook each measuring approximately 23.5 inches. The defendant was issued a citation for over the bag limit of snook, and possession of undersized snook. The two fish were donated to a local boys’ ranch.

LAKE COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Stephen Adam was attempting to check a dog hunter on FR 538 in Paisley. The subject was obviously under the influence and was unable to get his truck started. While requesting identification from the subject, Officer Adam quickly removed a pistol from the subject’s vehicle and secured it in his patrol vehicle. The subject would not give Officer Adam his identification and soon got his truck started and decided to flee. Officer Adam pursued him for a very short time and quickly broke off the pursuit. After losing sight of the fleeing driver, Officer Adam pulled up a few minutes later to find the subject had crashed his vehicle and was unconscious yet still breathing. EMS, Officers Kat Kelley, Jared Beard and Lieutenant Kevin Steinke soon arrived and offered assistance. The subject was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center. Officer Adam will meet with the Lake County State Attorney to pursue warrants for fleeing and eluding, driving under the influence, driving with suspended license, possession of firearm by convicted felon and other violations.

On November 9, Officer Adam stopped to check to some hunters on CR 42 in Altoona. He soon observed one of the hunters attempting to drag out an short horn buck. The subject was cited for taking antlerless deer and his shotgun was seized.

On November 10, Officer Adam and Lieutenant Steinke were contacted by a local dog hunting group regarding a doe deer killed in Paisley. The officers found the doe deer and were given a description of three trucks that were in the area when the deer was killed. Officer Adam stopped a hunter that he remembered being with the suspect trucks on Saturday. The hunter described all three trucks the officers were looking for and gave the officers an address of one of the suspects in Volusia County. Officer John Wilke responded as well, and the officers went to the address. The resident of the address advised there was a “mishap” with a doe and that he thought the deer was a buck and told his hunting partner to shoot it. After his hunting partner shot the deer, they both realized it was a doe. The shooter soon arrived and sworn statements were received. The shooter was cited for taking antlerless deer and his rifle was seized.

MARION COUNTY

On November 7, Officer Joe Simpson was contacted by a deputy in reference to a trespass issue in Citra. Officer Steve Adam and Captain Gregg Eason responded and found the two hunters. It was soon learned the subjects did not have permission to be on the property and were deer hunting during the closed season. The appropriate citations were issued.]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4663.html NORTH CENTRAL REGION Violations http://florida-offshore.com/article4662.html NORTH CENTRAL REGION Violations

COLUMBIA COUNTY

On October 27, Officer Billy Giles received information that subjects were trespass hunting on private land. The land owner was contacted and no one had permission to hunt the property. On opening day of muzzleloader season, Giles made contact with two subjects. They produced a contract to hunt this property and had paid $200 each to hunt for four weeks. The contract writer was contacted and claimed he had permission from the land owner. Giles direct filed with the States Attorney’s Office and charged the contract writer with trespass (principal in the 1st).

On October 31, Pilot Joe Johnston was concealed near a boat ramp at Alligator Lake and witnessed a conversation between several alligator hunters who had harvested a 7’ gator. Their discussion centered on which CITES tag to put on the gator, the Columbia or Taylor County tag. They affixed the Taylor County tag, then attempted to harvest another gator. Johnston called for assistance from Officer Billy Giles. A few hours later the hunters returned to the boat ramp and Pilot Johnston and Officer Giles made contact. The primary subject was charged with attaching unassigned CITES tag. Other hunters were cited and or warned for littering, no FL numbers, no muffling device, expired registration, no air boat flag and no running lights.

CLAY COUNTY

On November 5 at 6 p.m., Lieutenant David Lee received word that a man was cleaning a deer in his front yard. Lieutenant Lee responded to the location in the Maxville area of Clay County. As he drove up in his unmarked vehicle he observed the resident cleaning a nub buck deer.

When asked about the deer, the subject said he shot it in a wooded area next to his home with a .50 caliber black powder rifle. Lieutenant Lee advised that black powder season ended on November 2 and that the deer was illegal during the season because it did not possess a 5” antler. The subject was issued a citation for taking deer out of season. The field dressed deer was donated to an approved donation site.

DUVAL COUNTY

On November 6, Officers Eric Hall, Roland Green, and Sandy Blackburn were returning from offshore patrol when they observed a vessel approach the Mayport Boat Ramp. They approached the vessel to conduct a vessel safety inspection which revealed no deficiencies. Fishing equipment was observed stowed on the vessel so the question was asked if the seven occupants had caught any fish. They stated they did and directed the officers to the cooler. Inspection of the catch found one 38 inch red drum, one 19 inch red snapper, 12 undersize vermillion snapper, four undersize black sea bass and three sharks (one over the bag limit). The Officers wrote citations for the oversize red drum, undersize red snapper, and undersize black sea bass. Warnings were issued for the remaining fish. The illegal fish were seized and donated to an approved donation site.

On November 9, Officer Hope McGregor responded to a complaint of hunting dogs running on a different lease than where they belonged. This particular lease was for still hunting only. Officer McGregor located the owner of the dogs and issued the subject a citation for allowing hunting dogs off the registered dog hunting lease.

MADISON COUNTY

On November 9, Officers Clay Huff and Rob Goley and Investigator Jason McMillan conducted compliance checks on 11 hunters who were taking dove along the edge of an open field. After the inspection, Officer Clay Huff walked the field and located fresh corn and millet broadcast on top of the ground. The officers cited all 11 hunters for taking dove over bait.

NASSAU COUNTY

On November 9, Officers Hope McGregor and Raul Sanchez were on patrol in the Nassau Wildlife Management Area when they heard a gun shot around 0800. The officers responded and observed two people standing outside their trucks. As the patrol vehicle approached the two individuals, one of the subjects threw what he was smoking into the woods. When the officers stepped out of their trucks they could smell the odor of marijuana. After interviewing the subject, they learned that he had thrown a marijuana cigarette. A search of his vehicle revealed a bag of marijuana, under 20 grams and an eight point buck. The subject was arrested for possession of cannabis under 20 grams.

On November 8, Officer Tom Tucker was on patrol on Amelia Island in the Greenway Trail when he observed four individuals walking down the bank of Egan’s Creek out of view of the other fisherman. Officer Tucker concealed himself and observed with binoculars that the individuals were throwing a cast net. Upon inspection, the subjects were found in possession of two undersize red drum as well as a tarpon. Citations were issued for over the bag limit, possession of undersize red drum and possession of a tarpon without a tarpon tag.

SUWANNEE COUNTY

On November 6, Officers Harold Barry, Dennis Sharp, and Lieutenant Steve Farmer were working the deer replica during closed season. The driver of a vehicle approached the replica, stopped his vehicle, got out, and shot the decoy. Officers Barry and Sharp attempted to make contact but the subject fled in his vehicle. Lieutenant Farmer stopped him a short distance later. The subject was charged with take/ attempt to take deer out of season, displaying a firearm from a county road, obstruction, and resisting without violence. His .22 cal. rifle was seized.

On November 7, Officers Barry, Sharp, and Lieutenant Farmer again worked the deer replica during closed season. A sedan with two occupants approached the replica. The driver got out of the vehicle and shot the decoy twice while his passenger was yelling “No don’t shoot”. As Barry and Sharp made contact, the suspect placed his weapon on the ground and started laughing. He was charged with taking deer out of season, attempting to take deer from a roadway, and discharging a firearm from a county road. His .22 magnum was seized.

UNION COUNTY

On November 8, 2008 Officer Bret Gill received information about illegal activity on private land in Union County. Officer Gill arrived at the hunt camp on foot and observed several subjects unloading a doe deer from an ATV. The subjects left the camp, then returned a short time later with another doe deer. Officer Gill made contact and charged two men with harvesting an illegal deer and not having hunting licenses. One of the subjects had several warrants from Florida and Arkansas. He was transported to the Union County jail.]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4662.html NORTHWEST REGION Violations http://florida-offshore.com/article4661.html NORTHWEST REGION Violations

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

On November 5, Officer Keith Clark checked a business selling freshwater fish and found that the owner did not possess a freshwater fish dealer license. Officer Clark issued a citation for the violation.

On November 6, Officers Keith Clark and Andy Maltais were working from a vessel in Bayou Grande. Officer Maltais observed a vessel operating without displaying required navigation lights. A vessel stop determined that the occupants had been gigging fish. During the inspection, Officer Maltais noticed three blue crabs that had been gigged. The owner of the vessel claimed responsibility for the illegally taken crabs. The owner of the vessel was issued a citation for taking blue crabs by illegal method and a warning for the navigation light violation.

On November 8, Officers John Bell and Pat Roush checked a vessel on the Escambia River. Officer Roush identified the owner of the vessel and requested to inspect his catch. Officer Roush found the owner in possession of undersized spotted sea trout. A citation was issued for the violation along with a warning for an expired vessel registration.

On November 8, Officer Keith Clark conducted fisheries inspections at the Lexington Pier on the Naval Air Station. Officer Clark found
an individual with over-the-bag limit of gray snapper. He was cited for the violation.

On November 8, Lieutenant Dan Hahr and Officers Steve Hoomes, David Jernigan, Royce Johnson, Kenneth Manning, Monte Moye, and Joe Murphy participated in a detail on the Escambia River targeting violations during opening weekend of small game season. The day long detail resulted in: 107 users checked, 42 vessels checked, 1 resource citation, 3 boating citations, and 5 boating warnings.

On November 10, Officer Kenneth Manning checked four subjects fishing in Escambia Bay. A computer check revealed that one subject had three warrants out of Escambia County for traffic related offenses. The man was subsequently arrested and turned over to the Sheriff’s Office for booking. The man left his boat in the care of his friends. Shortly after completing his patrol, Officer Manning received a call requesting assistance. Apparently, the three men continued to fish and could not start the boat later. They also could not describe where they were located. Officer Manning returned to the scene and assisted the boaters to the boat ramp.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Howard Jones responded to assist the U.S. Coast Guard following a report of a vessel sinking in Pensacola Bay. A crew of four had attempted to anchor their 23-foot vessel north of the Pensacola Bay Bridge when the anchor line became tangled in the propeller causing the vessel to be anchored from the stern into 10-15 mph winds. The vessel quickly filled with water and rolled over. All occupants were wearing their floatation devices. The victims were rescued and transported to Wayside Park on the south end of the bridge. There were no injuries.

On November 12, Officer Royce Johnson was heading home when he received a night hunting complaint in the McClellan area. He responded and observed a vehicle shining a light along Highway 191. When he stopped the vehicle, he discovered four occupants with a doe deer and a fawn in the back of the SUV. While speaking to them, one of the subjects bolted and left the area. K-9 Officer Sarah Hahner, along with K-9 Sadie, and Lieutenant Dan Hahr were called to the scene to assist. The subjects would not provide the name of the subject who ran. After a fruitless search of the immediate area, the man was spotted along a fence row nearby. He was arrested without further incident. All four subjects were charged with taking deer at night with a gun and light and possession of a fawn deer. The one subject who ran was charged with resisting arrest without violence and booked on the charges. A shotgun, spotlight, doe deer, and fawn were seized.

On November 12, Officers Steve Hoomes and Ben Pineda were patrolling near Coldwater Creek when they discovered the components of a meth lab. They contacted the narcotics unit of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, who responded and processed the scene. The case was turned over to the Sheriff’s Office.

OKALOOSA COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Danny Arnette organized a detail, Operation Tree Rat, on the Yellow River for opening day of small game season. The detail produced one arrest for hunting over bait in the management area during archery season. K-9 Officer Sarah Hahner and K-9 Sadie tracked the subject to the bait. Also, one warning was issued for taking squirrel in the closed area on Eglin Air Force Base and one warning for possession of a gun in the closed area on Eglin. Additional officers working Operation Tree Rat were Officers Van Barrow, Alan Kirchinger and Eddie Gatlin. They checked approximately 40 users.

On November 8, Officer Van Barrow checked a subject on the Yellow River Wildlife Management Area after observing him quickly exit a wooded area when the hunter observed his presence. The subject continued to act suspicious and nervous as Officer Barrow checked his license. The next day, K-9 Officer Sarah Hahner and K-9 Sadie were requested to assist with searching the wooded area where the subject was last observed. Officer Hahner and K-9 Sadie located a baited area and tree stand. The subject was later contacted by Officer Barrow and admitted to hunting from the stand and placing the bait on the management area. He will be charged for attempting to take deer over a baited area in a management area. WALTON COUNTY On November 8 and 9, Lieutenant Dennis Welsh and Officer Ken White worked the lower end of the Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area. The officers checked 68 users and 30 vessels on opening weekend of small game. Two boating citations and four warnings were issued.

On November 11, Officer Espy Letcher checked three subjects on the Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area who were in possession of a live wild hog. The subjects were transporting the hog from the management area to their residence. One of the subjects was cited for the violation.

BAY COUNTY

Officers Dennis Palmer and Mark Clements received a complaint that a deer had been taken by illegal means. Their investigation led to a confession from a subject who stated he shot the deer with a high-powered rifle just after dark at a feeder in his parent’s backyard. The subject was charged with taking deer by illegal means and after legal hours. The deer was seized as evidence.

Officer Mike Nobles began an investigation that led to the arrest of two shrimpers on charges of selling fish illegally and possession of several species of undersized marine fish. Officer Nick Price assisted Officer Nobles with the investigation which resulted in the seizure of 76 undersized flounder, 14 undersized Spanish mackerel, and 4 small king mackerel.

Officers Dennis Palmer and Mark Clements received a complaint from a Bay County Sheriff's deputy who said he saw what he believed to be a decomposing sea turtle skull at a subject’s residence. The skull was identified by the local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Lab as being a green sea turtle that weighed around 150 pounds. Written confessions were obtained that the turtle had been found on Panama City Beach. A citation for the illegal possession was issued.

K-9 Officer Mike Guy continues to assist the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in attempting to locate a murder weapon. As tips come in, Officer Guy and K-9 Jake search the areas for evidence.

Officer David Brady was on water patrol near St. Andrews State Park when he observed a vessel anchored near the jetty. Closer observation revealed some snorkelers in the water near the jetty. Since he did not observe a diver down flag, he conducted an inspection. As he approached the vessel, he watched one of the divers drop a spear gun. He addressed the violation and found speared mullet and bluefish. Citations were issued.

Officers Neal Goss and Nick Price were on patrol near St. Andrew’s Marina and conducted a dockside inspection of a commercial fishing vessel during offload. They discovered 15 undersize red grouper along with mangrove snapper and red grouper fillets. The vessel captain was issued a citation. One of the crew had an active warrant out of Duval County and was arrested.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

On November 7 through 9, Officers Woody Cook, Steven Cook, Travis Huckeba, Don Walker, John Allen, Chasen Yarborough, and Lieutenant Charlie Wood conducted a special detail to coincide with the opening weekend of small game season in Franklin County.

Officers patrolled the Apalachicola, Ochlockonee, and Crooked Rivers and their tributaries. Education and enforcement attention was directed toward boating under the influence of alcohol, vessel safety equipment, vessel navigational lights, vessel overloading, hunting licenses, management area permits, and bag limits for small game. During the detail, 57 vessels were boarded and 128 users were inspected. The inspections produced three uniform boating citations for insufficient number of personal flotation devices and improper navigational lights and nine written warnings for various boating safety equipment violations. The inspections also produced two resource citations for no valid resident hunting license, no valid resident freshwater fishing license, and one written warning for possession of undersized fish.

On November 10, Officers Mike Slotin and Faris Livesay conducted inspections of commercial oyster harvesters and their vessels in Apalachicola Bay. The officers boarded seven vessels inspecting vessel safety equipment, saltwater product licenses and size tolerance on the harvested oysters. One resource citation was issued to a harvester for possession of undersized oysters. The bag of oysters inspected contained over 38% undersized oysters.

Nine written warnings were also issued to other harvesters for violations pertaining to vessel safety equipment.

LIBERTY COUNTY

On November 8, Officer Benjamin Johnson was patrolling the Bradwell Unit of the Wildlife Management Area in Liberty County when he stopped two hunters in a pickup truck. Officer Johnson checked the two subjects and asked them if they had any luck, and they replied, “No.” Officer Johnson asked them to open the tonneau cover of the truck so it could be inspected for wildlife. The driver stated, “Might as well get me now, because I’ve messed up.” Officer Johnson found one spike buck taken with a shotgun during archery season. Proper citations were issued. Buckshot, two shotguns and the deer were taken as evidence.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

On October 29, Officer Jeff Babauta discovered 50 pounds of whole corn in the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area hanging from a tree being used as a bump feeder. After several days of monitoring the baited site, Officer Babauta noticed the bag of corn was removed the day before opening season which was on November 7. On November 8, at 0500 hours, Officer Babauta was discretely observing the baited site. He approached and confronted two individuals, a father and son, who admitted to baiting the site. Officer Babauta issued citations for hunting over bait in the wildlife management area.]]> no_email@example.com (blueoceaneyez) http://florida-offshore.com/article4661.html