Enforcement

Christopher Stefanou, known as "LI Sharkman," was indicted on animal cruelty and fishing-law violations for allegedly capturing a tagged great white shark named "Aaron" off Cape Cod in October 2025. The incident involved using a drone to deploy bait and bringing the shark onto a beach for photographs before releasing it. Stefanou's defense maintains the shark was safely released and denies intentional pursuit of the protected species.

Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local law enforcement announced charges against 10 people for running an illegal commercial fishing operation. The multi-year undercover investigation revealed the group poached approximately 23,000 pounds of fish and illegally sold over $150,000 worth of fish, shrimp, and sea turtles, including five protected sea turtles.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited Glenn Lebouef for three counts of violating charter boat regulations in Jefferson Parish. Lebouef allegedly operated illegal charter fishing trips from Bridgeside Marina without required licenses, Coast Guard certification, or insurance.

A 33-year-old Flint man tubing the Au Sable River through Campbell's Canoe, Kayak & Tubing Livery was found in good condition after walking 4.5 miles through the woods. Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Ben McAteer and South Branch Township Fire Chief Mike Umphrey located him at 11:15 p.m. after the family reported him missing.

Nebraska Game and Parks conservation officers will increase enforcement during Operation Dry Water, July 3-5, targeting boating under the influence. The national campaign aims to reduce alcohol and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The Maine Warden Service dive team recovered the body of Timothy Payson, 59, from Chickawaukie Lake in Rockland after he went missing during a boat ride. The search involved divers, sonar, and assistance from Rockland, Rockport, Thomaston fire departments, and local police.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife investigated Dudley Market in Venice for unlawfully selling seafood while falsely advertising it as sustainable and lawfully sourced. Managers Conner Mitchell and Taylor Grant, along with vessel operators, were ordered to pay over $100,000 in penalties and prohibited from commercial fishing in California.

Five northern Michigan anglers were cited for possessing 34 walleye—more than double the six-fish daily limit—while fishing the Detroit River. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division officers discovered the overlimit catch north of Milliken State Park. The anglers kept their legal daily limit and received misdemeanor citations.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents arrested Jody K. Jeane for attempted theft and forgery after he allegedly submitted a bass caught in Vernon Lake to the Toledo Bend Lake Association's Lunker Bass Program, which requires fish be caught in Toledo Bend Reservoir. Agents identified the fish by its distinctive tail markings visible in social media photos.

Derek Dermyer of Washington Township was sentenced to 30-180 days in jail after being found guilty of fishing without a license and fishing while licenses were revoked. As a habitual offender with previous DNR violations, Dermyer also received $2,980 in fines and a seven-year fishing license revocation.

An OPP-led emergency response team rescued 23 anglers near Owen Sound on March 8 after an ice shelf broke apart and drifted two kilometers offshore. OPP and Ornge helicopters airlifted all anglers to safety by 2:30 pm, with some suffering minor hypothermia. Grey Bruce OPP emphasized ice safety precautions as conditions remain unpredictable.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources imposed $10,000 in administrative fines against Trident Adventures LLC for unauthorized commercial helicopter diving operations in protected marine areas on Oʻahu's North Shore in June 2025. The company's permit did not authorize activities in the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District.

Adam Manzato pleaded guilty to importing, possessing, and offering to sell Chinese and dwarf snakehead fish after conservation officers discovered seven live snakehead at homes in St. Thomas. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters emphasizes that early detection and enforcement are critical to preventing the establishment of this invasive species in Ontario waters.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested Eurell D. Johnson on Bourbon Street for illegally possessing a live alligator, firearm, and marijuana. Senior Agent Grayson Parker, Sgt. James Bruce, Sgt. Emily Sexton, and Sgt. Josh Harris seized the alligator and firearm, turning the animal over to an LDWF biologist.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents completed 32 public assists and rescued five people stranded on water during a winter storm, including duck hunters in Bossier Parish and boaters on various waterways. Agents also transported 83 essential workers to Northeast Veterans Home in Monroe and Northwest Veterans Home in Bossier City.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources completed a 10-month investigation resulting in 700+ criminal charges against 25 individuals for illegal commercial catfish harvesting and unlicensed pay lake operations. The statewide Operation River Raid uncovered over 300,000 pounds of unreported catfish harvest across six counties.