Illegal fish from Sodus Bay
Two Arraigned for Illegal Sale of Fish  

Gerald C. Locurio, 50, of Stutson Street, Rochester, and Gary Holtz, 47, of Lake Ave,. Rochester were arraigned in the Town of Penfield Court Wednesday, May 31, 2000. Both pled guilty to the illegal sale, unlawful possession, and illegal transportation of black bass (small mouth and large mouth bass). They were fined $750 each and both received a one-year conditional discharge. The men were arrested in July 1999, by State Environmental Conservation Investigator David Bennett for the illegal sale of black bass, a violation of the Environmental Conservation Law.

Gerald Locurio and Gary Holtz caught 98 black bass at Sodus Bay in Wayne County, transported them to the Bayside Tackle and Boat Shop on 1200 Empire Blvd. in the Town of Penfield, Monroe County where they unlawfully sold the fish. The 98 black bass weighing in at 115 pounds were sold for $250 to an undercover investigator.

Generally, any fish that has a size limit or fishing season associated with it, cannot be sold if caught in the state of New York. New York's daily limit is five black bass per person. When illegal harvest of sport fishes occurs, the act can remove potential fishing opportunities for the recreational angler, since fish like black bass usually do not enter the fishery until four or five years of age.

'According to a 1996 statewide angler survey, recreational fishing accounts for an estimated $418 million dollars to New York,' said Web Pearsall, regional Senior Fishery Biologist. 'The illegal harvest and sale of sport fishes in New York appears to be increasing. This combination creates the potential to seriously impact New York State fisheries and the economy.'

Anyone with information of illegal fish sales should contact DEC's Bureau of Environmental Conservation Investigation at 716. 226.5323 or DEC's Law Enforcement at 716.226.6706.

The New York State Department of Health issues an annual Fish Consumption Advisory guide. For information on potential health effects from exposure to chemical contaminants, contact the New York State Department of Health at 1.800.458.1158.

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