Frank Georgalis – Writer

Man Catches Big Fish, Government Catches a Small Fisherman

Carlos Rafael stands next to the 881-pound tuna caught by his fishing crew.

By Frank Elias Georgalis

A Massachusetts fisherman pulled in an 881-pound tuna this week only to have the federal authorities take it away

Rafael and his crew were using nets to catch bottom-dwellers when they inadvertently snagged the giant tuna. However, federal fishery enforcement agents took control of the behemoth when the boat returned to port. The reason for the seizure was procedural: While Rafael had the appropriate permits, fishermen are only allowed to catch tuna with a rod and reel.

In an interview with the Standard-Times of New Bedford, Rafael disputes the claims from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)  enforcement division that the humungous tuna was trawled from the bottom of the Atlantic. “They didn’t catch that fish on the bottom,” he said. “They probably got it in the mid-water when they were setting out and it just got corralled in the net. That only happens once in a blue moon.”

And while Rafael is denied the mother of all fish stories, the federal impoundment of his catch also means he’s probably losing out on a giant payday. A 754-pound tuna recently sold for nearly $396,000. NOAA regulators do not share any of the proceeds from the fish’s eventual sale with a fisherman found in violation of federal rules.

I can understand the Government rules are proper for maintaining good balance, but the government in this case should understand that that fish was not caught on purpose, it was an accident and the fisherman was no at fault. This poor man was lucky. Lady Luck looked down upon him and made a dream for him to come true, but the US Government is trying to destroy it.

This story about the fisherman , his fish and the NOAA regulators reminds me of Jesus crucifixion according to Greek oral passages. The black smith was ordered to make three spikes for Jesus’ nailing on the cross: the blacksmith made five with one designated for Jesus’ heart.  These regulators like the blacksmith, wish to make a name and impress the upper ups and they always go beyond their logical limits of their duties.

Proceeds of the sale from the fish will be held in an account until the case is resolved, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement. “The matter is still under investigation,” said Monica Allen, deputy director with NOAA Fisheries public affairs. “If it’s determined that there has been a violation, the money will go into the asset forfeiture fund.”

I personally suggest, that money should go to the congressmen to feed their families. They are complaining that their salary of $274,00 a year is not enough to feed their families and what kind of patriots are we to let the families of the congress to starve? .

Read my articles “Heroes and Heroines of our congress” under ARTICLES, you will see the ones who are complaining the most