05-31-2009, 11:16 AM
DEC law enforcement officers conducted a very early morning sweep of the Fulton Fish Market in the South Bronx in July, seizing more than 200 illegal fish products. The effort resulted in JMS Seafood Corporation being charged with a misdemeanor for the unlawful sale of oversized striped bass.
Several Agencies Involved
The sweep was a joint operation involving 13 DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs), three Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers, investigators from the New York City Business Integrity Commission (BIC), and agents from the National Marine Fisheries Service. New York State often works closely with surrounding states in the enforcement of marine fishery laws. On Thursday, the Rhode Island officers were present as part of a training initiative to introduce them to the Fulton Fish Market and the market's potential enforcement challenges.
"This was an excellent example of effective coordination between federal, state, and city law enforcement personnel," DEC Region 2 Director Suzanne Mattei said. "The interstate cooperation between New York and Rhode Island is especially beneficial for the protection of our shared marine resources."<br />
Undercover Investigation<br />
A group of striped bass in the water<br />
The sweep resulted in the seizure of over 200 illegal fish products and a misdemeanor charge for the sale of oversized striped bass.
At approximately 11:30 PM on Wednesday, July 16, two plainclothes New York State ECOs entered the Fulton Fish Market to conduct surveillance of the wholesale distributors of fresh seafood. The officers noted multiple violations and contacted uniformed personnel with specifics on the locations and nature of the illegal activity they observed. At approximately 1:30 AM, the multi-agency uniformed task force entered the premises and conducted the sweep.
The officers inspected fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, while also reviewing permits, manifests, and other required documentation. As a result of the inspection, 11 summonses were issued to nine separate violators. Though the size and scope of this enforcement action was not typical, NYSDEC officers routinely conduct random inspections of the Fulton Fish Market, often in coordination with outside agencies such as the BIC.<br />
Cooperation Critical
"One of the primary missions of BIC is to eliminate all forms of criminality and corruption from the public wholesale markets in New York City." said BIC Commissioner Michael J. Mansfield, "We commend the NYSDEC police and our other law enforcement partners, for assisting us in that process. In addition to criminal charges, the companies and individuals cited are subject to administrative sanctions by the BIC that may affect their ability to conduct business at the New Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point."<br />
Marine Fisheries Under Stress
The Fulton Fish Market is the largest consortium of seafood wholesalers in the country. In recent years, over-harvesting, disease, and pollution have put a strain on the marine resources of New York and neighboring states. Violators of state and federal marine wildlife regulations contribute to the decline of fisheries along the Eastern Seaboard. Enforcement actions such as these are crucial to protect and conserve these vital fisheries for future generations.
Several Agencies Involved
The sweep was a joint operation involving 13 DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs), three Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers, investigators from the New York City Business Integrity Commission (BIC), and agents from the National Marine Fisheries Service. New York State often works closely with surrounding states in the enforcement of marine fishery laws. On Thursday, the Rhode Island officers were present as part of a training initiative to introduce them to the Fulton Fish Market and the market's potential enforcement challenges.
"This was an excellent example of effective coordination between federal, state, and city law enforcement personnel," DEC Region 2 Director Suzanne Mattei said. "The interstate cooperation between New York and Rhode Island is especially beneficial for the protection of our shared marine resources."<br />
Undercover Investigation<br />
A group of striped bass in the water<br />
The sweep resulted in the seizure of over 200 illegal fish products and a misdemeanor charge for the sale of oversized striped bass.
At approximately 11:30 PM on Wednesday, July 16, two plainclothes New York State ECOs entered the Fulton Fish Market to conduct surveillance of the wholesale distributors of fresh seafood. The officers noted multiple violations and contacted uniformed personnel with specifics on the locations and nature of the illegal activity they observed. At approximately 1:30 AM, the multi-agency uniformed task force entered the premises and conducted the sweep.
The officers inspected fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, while also reviewing permits, manifests, and other required documentation. As a result of the inspection, 11 summonses were issued to nine separate violators. Though the size and scope of this enforcement action was not typical, NYSDEC officers routinely conduct random inspections of the Fulton Fish Market, often in coordination with outside agencies such as the BIC.<br />
Cooperation Critical
"One of the primary missions of BIC is to eliminate all forms of criminality and corruption from the public wholesale markets in New York City." said BIC Commissioner Michael J. Mansfield, "We commend the NYSDEC police and our other law enforcement partners, for assisting us in that process. In addition to criminal charges, the companies and individuals cited are subject to administrative sanctions by the BIC that may affect their ability to conduct business at the New Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point."<br />
Marine Fisheries Under Stress
The Fulton Fish Market is the largest consortium of seafood wholesalers in the country. In recent years, over-harvesting, disease, and pollution have put a strain on the marine resources of New York and neighboring states. Violators of state and federal marine wildlife regulations contribute to the decline of fisheries along the Eastern Seaboard. Enforcement actions such as these are crucial to protect and conserve these vital fisheries for future generations.