PORTLAND (AP) — A Stonington lobsterman illegally harvested hundreds of undersized and protected lobsters in what the Maine Marine Patrol on Tuesday called the most egregious such case in more than 25 years.
The marine patrol said Theodore Gray possessed 269 undersized lobsters and 123 known breeding lobsters.
The illegal haul was “one of the most egregious violations I have seen,” Marine Patrol Maj. Jon Cornish said in a statement. Maine law requires lobsters less than 3 1/4 inches be released.
“This law ensures that young lobsters can mature and reproduce, which is key to the sustainable health of the fishery,” marine patrol Lt. Jay Carroll said.
Gray, 34, faces jail time and a maximum fine of more than $100,000 if convicted. A message left at his home was not immediately returned.
Maine law says fishermen who catch female lobsters with eggs must use a “v-notch” tool or knife to remove a quarter-inch-deep piece of flipper from the animal. The notch extends the lobster’s protection beyond the hatching of its eggs, officials said.
Possession of undersized and “v-notched” lobsters are each punishable with a year in jail and fines.
Gray, who was charged May 9, was also accused of molesting equipment because it found him in possession of 20 traps that belonged to another harvester.
The marine patrol added “several aspects” of the case remain under investigation and more charges could follow.
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