Police Seize More Rockfish From Illegal Nets
STEVENSVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Natural Resources police say they've found two more illegal nets in the Chesapeake Bay, filled with nearly two tons of striped bass.
Police have been investigating a poaching operation since the seizure last week of nearly 10 tons of illegally caught striped bass, or rockfish. The illegal fishing prompted state officials to close the commercial gill net season three weeks early.
The nets found Friday appeared to be fresh, indicating that poachers are continuing to operate despite the probe and public awareness.
Police also say they served search warrants at a Tilghman Island home Friday and removed boxes and a laptop computer. NRP spokesman Sgt. Art Windemuth says the seizure was related to the ongoing probe and that the warrants have been sealed by court order.
One net was found Friday about a mile south of Bloody Point, while the other was inside Eastern Bay.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
