Case library · The Black Market
Fishing Where He Wasn't
United States v. Stevens (2021)
Charge: Lacey Act false labelingCourt: U.S. District Court, D. AlaskaState: AlaskaDocket: The Black Market
Did the owner knowingly misreport where his catch had been taken before selling it on?
The facts
Halibut and sablefish are caught under quota shares tied to particular areas of water. Over four years a boat owner reported landing more than 900,000 pounds, worth about $13.6 million, from areas he held quota for. Satellite tracking of his two vessels showed them working elsewhere. Investigators matched the tracks against his landing reports, fish tickets and logbooks.
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: United States v. Stevens (D. Alaska 2021)
Read more at fisheries.noaa.gov. The source reveals the outcome.