It had to happen sooner or later. The Asian markets are paying big money for
elvers (juvenile eels), 400 + bucks per pound. As you can imagine,
this has spawned an increase in covert elver netting activity.
In this week's Fisherman magazine, it was reported that the DLE arrested two men
who had set up nets on the Coonamesset River in Falmouth and were in the process
of hauling in their elver catch. Authorities subsequently searched their rented house
nearby and discovered 40 lbs of elvers in a live well. Members of the Falmouth Rod
& Gun Club also found set nets on several other rivers in the area.
The article concludes with a reminder that if anyone sees illegal or suspicious
netting activity, they should report it to either the local police, shellfish
warden, or harbormaster, who will then contact the DLE.
-bd