TEXAS, USA — Authorities seized around 1,250 pounds of illegally caught red snapper from four unregistered boats called "lanchas" in the Gulf of Mexico earlier this month, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
TPW said a lancha is "a motorboat not registered with any country that is about 20-30 feet long with a low profile, an outboard motor and capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 30 mph."
The seizures were done by the Texas Game Wardens, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations.
"Working together as agencies is what makes wins like this possible. We appreciate the help of our local, state and national partners in conserving Texas’ natural resources," said Texas Game Warden Capt. Chris Dowdy.
A total of 19 fishermen from Mexico were caught illegally fishing north of the U.S. boundary during the operation on March 5, according to TPW.
On one of the boats, there were five fishermen with more than 185 red snapper, accounting for 1,000 pounds. TPW said this crew tried to evade game wardens.
"Combating illegal, unregulated fishing is crucial to safeguarding our valuable resources and protecting the delicate marine environment," said Chief Petty Officer Glenn Jimenez with the TPW Sector Corpus Christi.
