Case against Seward fisherman dismissed

A misdemeanor charge against Andrew Mezirow, 49, of Seward, has been dropped.

Authorities in June accused Mezirow of unlawfully retaining big skate as bycatch after a cutoff date.

The Alaska Court System's online information system indicates the prosecutor dismissed the charge on 10/24/13. The case is now closed.

Mezirow told The Brig the charge stemmed from a cannery worker misidentifying a longnose skate as a big skate.

"I am pleased to be completely vindicated of any wrongdoing in the case," Mezirow said.

More on the Mezirow case

We recently posted an item about an enforcement action against Andrew Mezirow, a member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Advisory Panel.

When contacted about the matter, Mezirow declined to comment for the record.

Here's the case file, which The Brig requested from the court clerk in Seward.

Seward fisherman cited over skate bycatch

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Retention of prohibited species
On 6/7/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, issued a summons to Andrew David Mezirow, 49, of Seward, for retaining a prohibited species during a commercial groundfish fishery. Investigation revealed Mezirow retained big skates during a groundfish fishery in Cook Inlet on 5/21/13, when Cook Inlet waters were closed to the retention of big skates as bycatch. Arraignment set for 7/23/13 in Seward District Court.

Note: Mezirow is a member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Advisory Panel.