Acknowledging that federal fishery police “overstepped the bounds of propriety and fairness,’’ US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced yesterday that he is returning almost $650,000 in fines to 11 fishermen and businesses, most in the Northeast. One New Bedford scalloper will receive $400,000.
The unusual move — and apology — comes after years of accusations by New England fishermen of excessive fines and intimidation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement. Locke had appointed a special investigator to examine 30 specific cases that the Commerce Department inspector general highlighted as problematic.
The special investigator, Charles Swartwood III, found 13 instances of poor conduct or other problems, and is investigating 80 other complaints, which could lead to the return of more money. Fines were returned to fishermen when it was legal to do so, and many involved what Swartwood deemed excessive financial penalties.
Read the complete story from The Boston Globe.