FWC: 3 Lobster Poachers Arrested In Miami-Dade County

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Three people were arrested over the weekend for poaching lobsters in Miami-Dade County. Officials said they illegally had 87 wrung lobster tails, 66 of which were undersized.

Donny Caridad Gonzalez, Nemesio Gonzalez Garcia and Josefina Diaz Garcia were arrested Saturday for misdemeanor charges including possession possession of lobster during closed season, possession of wrung lobster tails, undersized lobster tails and interference with a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, according to FWC.

FWC said that during a routine safety inspection on board the "El Donny," officers saw a lobster shell inside a crab trap. The boat owner said that no lobster were on the vessel.

While inspecting the engine room, an officer noticed a plastic bag stashed behind some engine equipment. The bag, and four others, contained 87 wrung lobster tails. The lobsters were illegally caught as it was outside the regular lobster season, which is August 6 through March 31. Also, during lobster season, lobsters must remain whole; separating tail from body before bringing ashore is prohibited.

"The occupants on this vessel are individuals with a history of poaching convictions," said FWC Maj. Alfredo Escanio, regional commander in a press release. "This arrest represents our efforts to conserve our natural resources and support law-abiding recreational and commercial fishermen."

Additionally, five deck-hands on board the El Donny were issued citations for other infractions.