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Four Mexican fishermen have pleaded guilty to illegally harvesting red snapper from U.S. waters. Their prosecution marks a notable shift in U.S. enforcement practices for marine resource protection.
Earlier this year, the crew — Jose Daniel Santiago-Mendoza (22), Miguel Angel Ramirez-Vidal (32), Jesus David Luna-Marquez (20), and Jesus Roberto Morales-Amador (27) — entered the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone aboard a 25-foot vessel launched from Playa Bagdad, Mexico. Operating without running lights, they deployed an estimated four miles of longline equipment with approximately 1,200 hooks, targeting red snapper.
Upon apprehension, U.S. authorities found 693 pounds (approximately 315 kilograms) of red snapper and four sharks aboard the vessel. The illegally harvested fish had an estimated retail value of over $9,000.
The illegal fishing operation took place about 18 nautical miles north of the Maritime Boundary Line with Mexico and 25 miles east of South Padre Island.
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The crew admitted they knew the risks of seizure but were driven by dwindling red snapper stocks in Mexican waters.
Captain Ramirez-Vidal has a documented history of violations, with 28 prior arrests related to illegal fishing activities. His crewmates also have records of similar offenses.
This case is seen as part of a broader policy change. In contrast to past practices — where U.S. officials would typically seize the catch and the vessel and release the violators — those caught under the Lacey Act are now being criminally prosecuted.
Each defendant could face up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000. All four men are currently in custody awaiting sentencing.
The investigation and arrest were carried out through a joint operation involving multiple U.S. agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Coast Guard Investigative Services, U.S.Coast Guard Station SPI, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the South Padre Island Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hagen.
Top image by the U.S. Coast Guard
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