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Md. Watermen Complain About Devices Found On Boats

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Officials with Maryland's Department of Natural Resources say the agency can use tracking devices while investigating poachers.

Dorchester watermen complained of finding the tracking devices on their boats in January.

On Tuesday, department spokesman Sgt. Art Windemuth said use of the devices is legal and common in the law enforcement community.

The secretary of department, John Griffin, told Eastern Shore lawmakers on Friday that officials can use the devices to investigate repeat offenders if they have probable cause.

Last week, natural resources officials shut down Maryland's striped bass gill net season for February after more than 10 tons of illegally caught fish were seized.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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