Case library · The Fisherman's Rights
Six Inches Too Long
Davrod Corp. v. Coates (1992)
Charge: Vessel-length limit for squid fishingCourt: U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st CircuitState: MassachusettsDocket: The Fisherman's Rights
May a state bar vessels over a set length from its waters when almost all the boats affected come from elsewhere?
The facts
A state banned fishing by any vessel over ninety feet long in the waters it controlled, including two busy sounds, with an exception for one kind of net. A freezer-trawler ninety feet and six inches long, home-ported in the next state, was shut out of the squid grounds. The state said big boats tow bigger nets, stay out longer and process at sea, and the squid could not stand it.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Davrod Corp. v. Coates, 971 F.2d 778 (1st Cir. 1992)
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