50 signatures reached
To: Governor Ron Desantis, Florida
Increase Penalties for Poaching in Florida
We would like the The State of Florida to consider drastically increase the fines for illegal harvesting of fish species. The type of crime (2nd degree misdemeanor) nor the amount of fines are no longer a deterrent. Poaching is becoming a commonplace occurrence where multiple violations are recorded weekly in the public records. Many of these violations are quite large. For example, today, 1400 shark fins were recovered at the port of Miami. Last week, a commercial fisherman was caught with 127 short stone crab claws. Within the last two months, a commercial fisherman was caught with over 90 short mangrove snappers.
We also are understanding of the difference between a mistake that warrants a ticket and a fine vs. deterring major crimes against our fisheries.
Our recommendation is to treat the discovery of violations involving more than 11 illegal harvests in a much harsher way than a standard violation.
Our suggestion:
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, the crime should be classified as a felony;
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, the fine should increase to triple the standard fine; for example, a fine of $500 per illegally harvested fish becomes a fine of $1500 per illegally harvested fish;
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, the vessel(s) and harvesting gear used for the illegal harvesting are subject to confiscation;
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, jail time becomes mandatory.
We also are understanding of the difference between a mistake that warrants a ticket and a fine vs. deterring major crimes against our fisheries.
Our recommendation is to treat the discovery of violations involving more than 11 illegal harvests in a much harsher way than a standard violation.
Our suggestion:
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, the crime should be classified as a felony;
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, the fine should increase to triple the standard fine; for example, a fine of $500 per illegally harvested fish becomes a fine of $1500 per illegally harvested fish;
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, the vessel(s) and harvesting gear used for the illegal harvesting are subject to confiscation;
When there are over 11 cumulative violations in a single incident, jail time becomes mandatory.
Why is this important?
While the Florida sport and commercial fishing community is extremely appreciative of the efforts of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's efforts, it is quite unlikely that even a majority percentage of violators are caught in the act. Clearly, the current structure of fines and jail time are not enough of a deterrent and a stronger deterrent is necessary to help maintain our fisheries as the population of our state continues to increase.