From the Escanaba Daily Press:
GARDEN – Three men were arrested Monday in an alleged illegal gill netting operation on Big Bay de Noc, Department of Natural Resources conservation officers said.
The 1,100 pounds of fish seized consisted mainly of whitefish, with smaller quantities of burbot and walleye.
The wholesale value of the whitefish was placed at $860. In addition a 14-foot boat, motor and trailer were also confiscated, along with 1,200 feet of gill net and other gear used in the operation.
According to Debbie Munson Badini of the DNR Regional Office in Marquette, a misdemeanor charge is being sought through the Delta County prosecutor’s office for fishing with an illegal device. Additional charges being sought include felony resisting, obstructing a police officer for one of the men who fled the scene on foot.
A second individual is expected to be arraigned in Delta County District Court later this month on misdemeanor charges of fishing with an illegal device.
The third individual arrested Monday will be charged in the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal Court for subsistence fishing without a license.
Badini said proceedings will be initiated by DNR officers for all of the gear seized Monday.
The men could receive up to 90 days in jail on the fishing violations in addition to a $1,000 fine.
The cost of restitution for the fish illegally taken could range into the thousands of dollars.
The penalty for resisting and obstructing an officer carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Turtle Talk 