Trawl case settles for $15,000

The NOAA Office of General Counsel provided the following case update:

• F/V Vanguard — Owner Vanguard Fisheries LLC and operator Per Hesberg were charged jointly and severally under the Magnuson-Stevens Act with fishing with, and having onboard, nonpelagic trawl gear in federal reporting areas open only to pelagic trawl gear; not complying with vessel monitoring system requirements; and inaccurate reporting. A $59,784 NOVA (notice of violation and assessment) was issued. The case settled for $15,000 as to the VMS violation; the agency withdrew the remaining violations.

$59,784 penalty assessed in trawl case

The NOAA Office of General Counsel reports the following case charged in December:

• F/V Vanguard — Operator Per Hesberg and owner Vanguard Fisheries LLC were charged jointly and severally under the Magnuson-Stevens Act with fishing with, and having onboard, nonpelagic trawl gear in federal reporting areas open only to pelagic trawl gear; not complying with vessel monitoring system requirements; and inaccurate reporting. A $59,784 NOVA (notice of violation and assessment) was issued.