[dennisw]

In the NYC area the Asian fish markets are notorious for buying from poachers. I'm sure that helps the margins.......

Do you mean from US waters or international fishing? And is is true some catch Central Park pigeons and sell them as roast squab?

[StriperSniper]

There is a big live fish market for Tautog, that is bought from local 'recreationals', party boats, and a few plain old poachers. There are also guys taking Striped Bass out of Brooklyn.

A couple of the worst offenders have been caught and fined over the last year, but should have lost their boats. Considering the severity of their violations, they are lucky they didn't.

I have mixed feelings on the whole situation. They are breaking the law, but sometimes the law is harmful. Fisheries are so mismanaged that there is a real disgust with it in both the recreational and commercial sectors. About the only agreement between those two is keep foreign fleets out, and the environazis are going to kill both. There is a plan to get MARINE PROTECTED AREAS(MPA) designated off Jersey and Long Island. Last I heard that's a $1-2B hit to the local economy, 90% from recreational which includes the supporting businesses like marinas the tackle industries.

Amendment 13 To the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan VOLUME I

Amendment 13 To the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan VOLUME II

As for the pigeons, I've only had quail when my friend made it at his restaurant, so I couldn't say. ;-)

[Peelod]

And is is true some catch Central Park pigeons and sell them as roast squab?

meow!