Steller trouble

Still more from the NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement:

AKD (Alaska Enforcement Division) cited the captain of a longline vessel for Pacific cod directed fishing inside the Steller sea lion protection area at Marmot Island. The USCG (U.S. Coast Guard) assisted in the case. A partial catch of 5,319 pounds of Pacific cod worth $2,217.67 was seized. In addition, a $1,000 suspended penalty was imposed. (The vessel was not named. — The Brig)

During the period (January to June of this year), 16 investigations were opened on vessels unlawfully transiting through no-transit areas adjacent to Steller sea lion rookeries. Despite increased outreach efforts, this number represents an increasing trend over the same period from the previous two years. As in the past, specific rookeries account for a large number of these violations. These include Sugarloaf Island, Marmot Island, and the rookeries in the vicinity of Unimak Pass. Vessel owners and operators are encouraged to ensure they are aware of the locations of these no-transit areas. A table defining these areas may be obtained at the Alaska region Web site.