DNR fesus up....but I'm behind them 100%

[DAndrews]

Reported last night.

http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=13972588

I don't think it's time for more tracking devices I think it's time for another moratorium....this time on commercial fishing for striped bass. There is striped bass aquaculture that can't sell their fish because of the abundance of illegal striped bass. I'm sure they would welcome the increase in business.

[BILL H]

So the tracking devices were legally put on the boats of repeat offenders.

This sounds like a very sensible approach to targeted law enforcement in a time of constrained resources. I would be inclined to believe (without any evidence to support my belief) that the previous offenses were not for burned-out navigation lights or similar minor offenses.

Way to go DNR! You just need to get better at concealing the tracking devices.

[Harlan seller]

Good for DNR! Take advantage of today's technology and put it to good use. This will make them more effective with their reduced force. Plus it should also provide some type of data that could help provide additional evidence for any trials/convictions.
This is no different than having monitoring devices on chronic DUI drivers and their vehicles. No one says "Oh stop - its not right!" when it comes to a potential drunk driver. That monitored oversight is there for a reason - to protect people and property.
IMHO same thing holds true here - DNR is monitoring chronic violators and at the same time trying to protect the resource and other people who enjoy participating in activities centerd around those resources.
Whats wrong with that?

PS - this should make all dishonest watermen stand up and take notice. If they are constantly having to watch over their shoulders hopefully they wont have as much time to poach.

[rj]

Vessel Monitoring systems are already in use in selected commercial fisheries, they are the rule to be followed for some harvestors,,nothing wrong with them

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/vms.html

the State of Md also uses individual monitoring systems for individuals who have commited crimes. nothing wrong with that

My cell carrier offfers monitoring & locator services for the cell phones on my plan,, nothing illegal about that

[27 sailfish]

I think the honest watermen should push to have a tracking device on all gill netters.

Think about it - DNR would know which boat was in the area where illegal nets were found.

We all need to do everything we can to stop poachers. Bet you the honest guys would care less - the dishonest ones will fight it.

I know some guys who use a similar tracking device when they go fishing. It allows family to know where they are - in case of trouble.
Think it is called a Spot device.

Some cell phones even allow tracking. If you are doing nothing wrong - big deal DNR knows where you are.

[Brandon]

Truth is if you have a cell phone you are walking around with GPS tracking device. If you know someone's number and have access to some technology you can find them. Methods like this are already used to monitor traffic congestion in major cities as well as some other things.

As mentioned many commercial fisheries require GPS tracking devices, something that should be expanded to cover other fisheries. i.e trawlers in NC:eek2:

[BILL H]

My "dumb" cell phone does provide me the option of turning off the locator capability except for 911 calls, so I am not quite at the mercy of "casual" tracking (I think).

[rj]

Requireing tracking devices may be a good thing , but it would only keep the honest person honest,,outlaws would not be using their tracked boats , vehicles etc. to perform their illegal acts

[DAndrews]

Remember this article? I imagine the tracking devices will help the DNR locate and observe more readily the commercial fishermen, perhaps from a monitor or laptop well away from the water. I'm sure the illegal activities of the commercial fisherman were part of the inspiration for this new initiative. So now, everytime I have to answer nature's call off the stern I can thank our watermen for the opportunity to participate in a peep show.

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-12-14/sports/bs-sp-chesapeake-security-system-20101214_1_radar-units-mlein-cameras

[joemassi]

What I would like to know is can I tie into these cameras to check on water conditions prior to deciding whether or not to head to my boat? That would be really useful when I see NOAA forecasting 10-15 knot winds with 2 foot wave heights. I would love to see what the water looks like before deciding I whether I want to go fishing or do something my wife wants done around the house.

[Francis]

Yeah- No problem here. Good job DNR!

[crabby and son]

A GPS tracking device is cheaper than hiring another officer and never call out sick!! Don't have nothing yo hide........don't worry bout it.........Gary

[johnnylaw]

that would be pretty sweet if you could get online and look from the camera's view! even if you couldnt control it a live feed would still be cool to look at

[5th Tuition]

I guess I'll be the "lone wolf" and say I have reservations about this action. By no means am I condoning the illegal nets, but I wouldn't want the government to place a gps tracking device on my truck. Even if they "can" do it, I wouldn't want them too.
It would be GREAT if the watermen (Larry Simms) got together and made an announcement that "DNR can afix tracking devices to our boats", knowing that all legal activity wouldn't cause a problem. By giving permission, it then gives the public the impression that they are operating legally and they have nothing to hide.
IF a court order was obtained, I have no problem. I think the government should be held to a higher standard wherever possible. I want my government looking for ways to "protect" my rights (privacy, no tresspassing, etc.); not looking for loopholes or "gray" areas to diminish them.
I never again want to hear someone like the President of the United States say "it depends on the definition of what "is" is".
5th (Marty)

[uno]

The DNR doesn't have to put GPS trackers on boats. All they have to do is see WHO is going out at 1:00 in the morning! These nets aren't being set in the daylight and nobody has anything legal to do in the dark at this time of the year. If the spectacular new radar and camera system was any good, we wouldn't be having this problem, just another waste of taxpayer dollars under the banner of "Homeland Security".

[C-Hawk18]

I think that ALL vehicles should have the devices don't you? We can put them on all cars and then just have a couple of officers monitor the system and use the "playback" function and start writing tickets for speeding, running stop signs and such. Think of how safe the streets will be with nobody speeding or running red lights.

[BayViews]

The article link in the first post indicated that the DNR went to court seeking permission to place tracking devices on the boats. It does not seem likely a court would let them do that without strong probable cause. The DNR is not making a lot of the details public - probably to protect and build their case. I am not getting the impression that the DNR is out of control or acting above the law. They seem to be taking the cautious and tedious steps necessary to make their cases stick. In this instance, the discovery of the tracking devices may have temporarily derailed their effort. But, I'll bet this incident serves as a deterrent to many.

[Southerly]

i got a speeding ticket by 'robot' speed trap. it made me mad because i had to pay the ticket. i was especially frustrated becaude i felt like i had a loophole, but it wasn't worth pur$uing. long story short - that system has pretty much made it through courts without serious constitutional challenge. what can you say, driving on our state's roads is a privilege, not a right.

[rgminer]

Truth is if you have a cell phone you are walking around with GPS tracking device. If you know someone's number and have access to some technology you can find them. Methods like this are already used to monitor traffic congestion in major cities as well as some other things.

As mentioned many commercial fisheries require GPS tracking devices, something that should be expanded to cover other fisheries. i.e trawlers in NC:eek2:

True and with probable cause a judge will issue a warrant that will allow a law enforcement agency to track a phone. I think this would be a much better solution than installing expensive tracking devices on boats that would be thrown to the bottom of the bay if found.

[rgminer]

The article link in the first post indicated that the DNR went to court seeking permission to place tracking devices on the boats. It does not seem likely a court would let them do that without strong probable cause. The DNR is not making a lot of the details public - probably to protect and build their case. I am not getting the impression that the DNR is out of control or acting above the law. They seem to be taking the cautious and tedious steps necessary to make their cases stick. In this instance, the discovery of the tracking devices may have temporarily derailed their effort. But, I'll bet this incident serves as a deterrent to many.

It will make the comms check their boats and any device found will end up sleeping with the fishes. Tracking a persons cell phone is a better solution..Although most phones can have the GPS device disabled. I think a better idea is to pass a law making GPS mandatory on comm boats at all times as a condition of licensing. If a boat is found not to have their GPS on the vessel or turned off, it's an automatic 6 month suspension the first time and a permanent revocation the second...BUT again, if they are going to poach, why would they bother to get a license. There are enough unscrupulous buyers out there...

[rgminer]

Good thing the constitution doesn't allow illegal search and seizure does it officer? Not to mention the right to privacy..

[DAndrews]

I DO NOT support mandatory tracking devices on MD commercial fishing boats... that's an over-reaction but it is becoming mandatory for the international shipping business. http://en.mercopress.com/2009/10/07/iaato-members-passenger-ships-will-be-fitted-with-satellite-tracking-device http://www.gps.gov/applications/marine/index.html

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++

GPS information is embedded within a system known as the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmission. The AIS, which is endorsed by the International Maritime Organization, is used for vessel traffic control around busy seaways. This service is not only vital for navigation, but is increasingly used to bolster the security of ports and waterways by providing governments with greater situational awareness of commercial vessels and their cargo.

AIS uses a transponder system that operates in the VHF maritime band and is capable of communicating ship to ship as well as ship to shore, transmitting information relating to ship identification, geographic location, vessel type, and cargo information -- all on a real-time, wholly automated basis. Because the ship's GPS position is embedded in these transmissions, all essential information about vessel movements and contents can be uploaded automatically to electronic charts. The safety and security of vessels using this system is significantly enhanced.

Finally, with the modernization of GPS, mariners can look forward to even better service. In addition to the current GPS civilian service, the United States is committed to implementing two additional civilian signals. Access to the new signals will mean increased accuracy, more availability, and better integrity for all users.

“We implemented a GPS based container management system three months ago and have already seen direct benefits to our business. We have documented a 4-8% decrease in costs and a 5-10% increase in efficiency.”

I agree. I don't support mandatory tracking devices either. I support ending commercial rock fishing. Again, there is no use for them. There are already aquaculture fish farms that can meet the demand in M.D. N.Y. etc.

[fly flinger]

GPS tracking devices on vessels would help the Coast Guard or TOW BOAT find you faster, esp. when the water temps are low enough to kill.

Semper Paratus

[Big Liar]

I agree. I don't support mandatory tracking devices either. I support ending commercial rock fishing. Again, there is no use for them. There are already aquaculture fish farms that can meet the demand in M.D. N.Y. etc.

Please stop talking. I fear that you are using up the scarce oxygen resource that should be saved for intelligent life forms.

[DAndrews]

Please stop talking. I fear that you are using up the scarce oxygen resource that should be saved for intelligent life forms.

I don't usually talk while I type but I guess more intelligent life forms do?

[DAndrews]

closed