FWC K-9 sniffs out accused lobster poacher at Miami marina
News Release
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Media contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) K-9
Gauge used his keen sense of smell to alert officers that an
illegal catch was onboard a vessel. Gauge, a 3-year-old black
Labrador certified in wildlife detection, sniffed out 15 undersized
lobster tails and other illegal catch hidden inside a boat's
console during a recent joint law enforcement detail at the
Blackpoint Marina in Miami-Dade County.
On May 7, FWC officers were inspecting boats returning to the
marina. During one inspection, Gauge indicated that there was
something suspicious in the boat's center console. Officers opened
the console door and found a canvas bag with lobster tails sticking
out. Officers inventoried the contents of the bag and found 15
undersized spiny lobster tails, three undersized red grouper, three
punctured blue crabs and 11 undersized hogfish.
Orlando Guerra (DOB 09/22/50) of Miami is facing eight
misdemeanor charges.
"The FWC is fortunate to have three K-9 teams in South Florida,"
said Lt. Jay Marvin, who organized the detail. "The specially
trained K-9s work closely with officers, allowing us to track down
fish and wildlife law violators."
Persons with Disabilities