BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement investigated several alleged incidents in Broward County, according to its February 23–29 report. Some examples of these are shown below.
Officer Comartin was patrolling at the Area 1 Flow Equalization Basin (A-1 FEB) and reportedly observed three individuals in a freshwater canal using spearguns to spear fish. According to the FWC, he conducted a fisheries inspection and discovered black bass and tilapia that appeared to have been speared.
The FWC officer issued all three individuals notice to appear citations for spearfishing in fresh water and the illegal take of gamefish by spearfishing. All three individuals were also issued citations for not having freshwater fishing licenses.
Officer Hammad was on patrol when she reportedly observed a utility task vehicle operating illegally on South Florida Water Management District lands. After pulling over the UTV, the FWC officer said the UTV operator refused to identify himself.
He eventually provided Officer Hammad with his license, and the officer issued him a notice to appear citation for allegedly operating a motorized vehicle on state lands. The subject reportedly refused to sign the citation, was charged with resisting an FWC officer, and was booked into the Broward County jail.
Officers Walcott and Olivera were on patrol at Lighthouse Point Marina when they reportedly observed an individual on the dock cleaning two undersized and out-of-season red groupers and one undersized yellowtail snapper. The officers issued the subject a notice to appear citation for the alleged violations.
Officer Giani was on water patrol near Hillsboro Inlet and stopped a vessel to conduct a fisheries inspection. The inspection reportedly revealed one undersized king mackerel. The officer issued the suspect a notice to appear citation for the alleged violation.
Officers Walcott and Olivera were patrolling fishing piers and reportedly observed someone wait for Officer Walcott to pass before allegedly throwing two dead snappers into the water. The officers issued the subject a notice to appear citation for alleged interference with an FWC officer.
