CCA MD Calls upon Judiciary to "Protect Chesapeake Resources"

Annapolis, MD – As part of its Court Watch Initiative, the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) today called upon its 2,000 members to urge two state’s attorneys to take vigorous actions against five individuals who allegedly illegally took striped bass in the Sassafras River.

“It’s essential that everyone who uses the Chesapeake resource protects it,” said Robert Glenn, CCA MD executive director. “It’s especially important now that the fishing season is upon us that both recreational and commercial anglers understand and obey natural resource regulations. Those who don’t should be vigorously prosecuted so that this extremely valuable resource remains available for all Marylanders.”

In mid March, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) served on five men 184 striped bass violations, including setting unattended gill nets, possessing more gill net than their licenses allowed, and using their gill nets past the legal end time.

Cases come before the Kent County District Court tomorrow and June 10, and CCA MD is asking members to contact State Attorney Robert H. Strong to urge him and his staff to vigorously prosecute all fishermen who are charged with natural resource violations, and, if defendants are found guilty, to push the Court to impose the maximum penalties. Cases are scheduled to be heard in Cecil County May 6, and CCA MD is recommending that members make the same appeal to Christopher J. Eastridge, Cecil County state’s attorney.

“NRP officers are actively working to protect our natural resources,” Glenn said. “Prosecutors need to support the officers of the NRP by vigorously prosecuting their cases. To do less is failing in their duty to the NRP and to all Marylanders.”

The Court Watch Initiative, which was started in 2003, is designed to encourage recreational anglers and other citizens concerned with marine resources to communicate with judicial officials and attend court proceedings regarding the most egregious infractions of Maryland’s natural resource laws in the Chesapeake watershed.