A Broward County man is receiving jail time after he was charged for snatching lobsters out of season, according to the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.
On Aug. 3, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer Jerry Begera and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jason Farr arrested Davie resident Marcos Hernandez Gregorio, of Davie, after discovering a large quantity of illegally harvested spiny lobster and other out-of-season species in Monroe County waters.
FWC officers observed Gregorio in the water near Islamorada’s Indian Key Fill using equipment commonly associated with lobster harvesting, despite the fact lobster season had already closed. Upon inspection, officers discovered he was in possession of multiple undersized lobsters, along with other species taken out of season and by illegal methods. Officers found two coolers containing 53 spiny lobsters, two speared spiny lobsters, one whole stone crab, a stone crab claw, and a speared, undersized mangrove snapper.
Gregorio was immediately taken into custody and transported to Plantation Key Jail.
On Aug. 20, Gregorio pled no contest before County Judge Sharon Hamilton and was adjudicated guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 100 days in jail and ordered to pay court costs and fines. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Nick Gastesi.
“This was a deliberate violation of Florida’s fishery laws,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward. “FWC and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office acted quickly to protect our marine resources, which are vital to our environment and economy.”
