Charter Capt. Found Guilty Of Illegal Commercial Fishing On LI: DA

Crime & Safety

Charter Capt. Found Guilty Of Illegal Commercial Fishing On LI: DA He operated a charter vessel without a permit and was also found guilty of illegally possessing, poaching Black sea bass on LI, DA says.

MATTITUCK, NY — A Connecticut charter captain was found guilty of illegal commercial fishing off Long Island, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Michael Tenedine, 58, of East Haven, was found guilty after a trial of operating a charter vessel without a permit; illegal possession of black sea bass for poaching; and possessing Black sea bass, a protected species due to overfishing, Tierney said.

The trial conviction comes as Tierney ramps up his "Everblue Initiative," a collaboration with state and local law enforcement to protect the more than 60 percent of Suffolk County square mileage comprised of water.

According to the evidence at trial, in June, Tenedine captained the Connecticut-based charter vessel "Lucky Hook" from Connecticut into New York with a group of customer-fares on board, the DA said.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation police found Tenedine circling in waters on the Long Island Sound near Mattituck, Tierney said.

The DEC determined that Tenedine was operating a charter vessel without a New York license, and, at the time of their boarding, was found to be in the unlawful possession of 30 Black sea bass during a closed season, the DA said.

As a result of extensive overfishing, the possession of Black sea bass is prohibited by law during certain times of the year to ensure the survival of the species, Tierney said.

On November 13, Tenedine was convicted of operating a charter vessel without a permit and unlawful possession of Black sea bass after a bench trial heard before Southold Town Justice Eileen Powers, the DA said.

Both charges are violations under the New York Environmental Conservation Law, he added.

Tenedine was sentenced to maximum fines and surcharges totaling more than $3,250, which will go directly into the state's conservation fund, the DA said.

"We have a duty to protect Suffolk County's vital ecosystems from disrespect and ruin," Tierney said. "My Everblue Initiative will ensure that future generations will enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and exploring all that this county has to offer. This conviction is the latest example of what happens to those who selfishly seek to profit off of our natural heritage."