Citizen tips lead to crackdown on use of illegal cast nets
District 41 Conservation Police Officers, Sgt. Carl Martin and Officer Keith Crider, and District 42 Officers Beth Harold and Rob Ham conducted a special operation on the Shenandoah River at Watermelon Park in Clarke County. The operation targeted the taking of game fish by illegal methods, specifically cast nets. CPO's utilized kayaks, worked in plain clothes in order to observe the illegal activity. The operation took place over two days, 07/17/10 and 07/18/10. Several concerned citizens contacted VDGIF to express their concern about the fisheries resource in the Shenandoah River and the taking of this resource by cast nets. While CPO's have been working this area for some time, the use of cast nets has increased. Region 4 Officers were able to document the illegal catch and charged ten individuals under 29.1-531, take game fish by illegal method. A total of seventeen summonses were issued over the two-day operation. On July 17, 2010, CPO's seized 95 game fish of varying size from four individuals. On July 18, 2010, approximately 160 game fish were seized from six individuals. Species taken by illegal method included smallmouth bass, rock bass, and other sunfish. In addition, 41 channel catfish were caught by cast net. Continued harvest at these rates over several months could certainly have an effect on local fish populations. CPO's will continue to conduct patrols in this area.
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/outdoor-re ... e-notebookGood job Officers!