What would you do...

[Blackjack]

If you had first hand knowledge of someone who's been selling SBFT to local restaurants under the table? It's over now but I'm sure it's going to start again next summer...

[CMP]

Depends on what outcome you want. If you think it's wrong, inform him/her you know what's up and tell them that if they do no cease and desist, you will tell the proper authorities what he/she's been up to. If you really dislike him/her, dispense with the heads-up and narc him out. Either way, prepare to be called to account. Good luck...

CMP

[tunnie md]

Ask for a cut of the profits or go into business yourself. Sounds like a fun way to make a few bucks.

[outnumbered]

I say call the EPO's and drop a dime. They will be more interested in going after the restraunt owner who is the market for the fish rather than the fisherman. I am sure he buys from more than one person.

I am sure this person also does not call his catches in and that hurts the quota that we all get.

Anyone who feels this is right well those are your morals and feel free to believe what you want.

[FishSticks]

This is an easy one. Call the Fed enforcement guys. National Marine Fisheries Special Agent Chris Schoppmeyer or Mark Micele, Deputy Special Agent in Charge 1 Blackburn Dr Gloucester, MA 01930 (978) 281-9213.

[backman]

Have a good look at the size and color of the next "fresh ahi tuna" encrusted with wasabi or sesame at your local yupscale restaurant.

I catch my share of tuna and have been approached more than once by fisherman looking to "help" me sell the catch to restaurants more than willing to take the fish, no questions asked.

I've seen more than one 50-something bluefin leave the parking lot in an Icey tek in the back of an Escalade. Gas money for the 500K ride is always helpful.

Kind of like stripers at midnight in June...

But as Mark says what goes around comes around and you want to think twice as to who your fingering and what the consequences of it may be.

I've said "gimme a break" to a couple Escalade drivers and left it at that.

[happytuna]

it is hurting all of us by selling and not reporting the fish towards our quota
think the feds would like to hear about it they are looking for them selling to restraunts

[JoeA]

Some say ignorance is bliss but are no tuna, bliss? we have to all play by the rules in this fishery why shouldn't they. Organized crime calls a guy a rat for telling on people but quite frankly they are trying to intimidate people as they further break the law and you play fair. Don't let these guys become "tuna gangsters." I would definatly let the authorites know.;)

[Blackjack]

I think the best bet is to drop a dime on the restaurants but leave the fisherman anonymous...they are probably buying from more than one anyway. I guess if you can dry up the "demand" side then the supply side will naturally go away. I think it's too late this year to do anything other than get a lot of people annoyed so I'll wait to see if it starts up again next summer. I hate to be a narc but if we're going to save this fishery (and not be hypocritical concerning the commercial guys like seiners etc) we ALL need to play by the rules.

[Capt. John]

Should'nt even be a question... drop dime on both. No respect for the fishery and fish deserves no respect in return. PS- If your driving an Escolade you don't need to be selling 30lbs of tuna to pay the bills.

[therapy]

Been behind the seens for quite awhile now, but with this subject i just needed to write something. I've had my commercial tuna licence before, yup gonna catch giants everyday and retire early, Not. Alot more expence goes with the catching and selling giants 130's, ebirbs, life rafts, survial suits etc.
So why have a rec permit if you want to sell fish and small fish for that. My comment to your friend is the permit he/she holds should say it all. You want to target small fish then fish by all the rules.