SAN DIEGO - On July 27, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens removed a serious threat to the lobster resource off the San Diego coastline. Mr. Marc L. Sosnowski. Sosnowski didn't care if lobster season was open or closed, how big they were, or whether he was having a serious impact on the local lobster population. Sosnowski cared only about how much money the crustaceans could fetch per pound. Based on an anonymous tip, Warden Eric Kord, the case officer headquartered out of San Diego, launched an investigation into the alleged poaching activity. A team of 15 game wardens, including undercover game wardens from DFG's Special Operations Unit (SOU), set up surveillance for several days while Sosnowski went about his business. SOU wardens videotaped him suiting up to get the lobsters.

Other undercover wardens were in place at the beach to observe him enter the water with a pole spear in hand. When he exited the water, concealed game wardens watched him stash his catch near the water while he changed into his clothes back at his vehicle, a common practice for experienced poachers.

While he was changing into his clothes, Warden Adrian Foss snuck over to the hidden game bag and observed between 100 and 120 "tailed" lobsters. (Tailing a lobster is when the tail is ripped from the carcass underwater rendering it unable to be measured) Tailing also makes it easier to fit more into the bag. Foss observed that the majority of the adult females were carrying eggs.

Sosnowski returned to retrieve the lobsters never knowing that he was under constant observation. He was allowed to leave with the lobsters for the purpose of catching him in the act of selling. SOU wardens followed him to a parking lot and videotaped him selling the lobsters for profit. In the meantime, DFG's Dive Team converged to search the water Sosnowski had just exited for the lobster carcasses. The team recovered 23 fresh lobster carcass, most with spear holes.

A search warrant was obtained for Sosnowski's residence. All gear related to SCUBA diving and his illegal activity was seized. In addition to poaching the lobsters, Sosnowski also took an abalone, which is illegal south of San Francisco Bay.

On Wednesday, November 14, Sosnowski plead guilty to the follow charges: Fish and Game Code section 7121 for unlawfully selling fish (i.e. spiny lobster).

Fish and Game Code section 5521 for unlawfully taking abalone. Fish and Game Code section 2002 for unlawfully possessing fish (i.e. spiny lobsters) for commercial purposes, taken in violation of California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 29.90 (a). Sosnowski will serve 180 days in county jail on a work furlough program and will be fined $15,215. For three years he is required to stay away from the ocean or bay while in possession of any diving or fishing equipment and is prohibited from obtaining any fishing license. All of the dive gear seized has been permanently forfeited.

The vast majority of lobster divers participate using legal methods during the open season. Lobster season opened September 29 and extends to March 20, 2002.

California Department of Fish and Game, 4949 View Ridge Ave., San Diego, CA 92123. Warden Eric Kord, South Coast Region Field Office (619) 467-4201

Remember that it says "The vast majority of lobster divers participate using legal methods...", that's LEGAL, not like "Our buddy"...
Who said that the DFG doesn't have the 'Resources' to catch poachers...???

I received THIS DAN article, even they think diving regularly is a good idea.

Dive More, Dive More Often,
DAN Reminds Us That Practice Can Reinforce Our Skills

By DAN ORR
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Shoot More. Shoot More Often, the outstanding weekend television program offered by ESPN Outdoors, has a name that could be easily adapted to reflect upon scuba diving.

I would certainly suggest that we all "Dive more. Dive more often". A review of the DAN diving injury data shows that a significant number of injured divers made fewer than 20 dives the previous year. In addition, approximately 40 percent of divers involved in fatal mishaps had not been diving at all during the previous year! We can make a similar comparison in the use of diving equipment: divers who are injured in diving accidents involving equipment frequently report that familiarity with the equipment was a significant problem.

For that reason, diving more and diving more often provides opportunities for divers to gain experience and familiarity with their equipment and skills. Diving under these conditions is sometimes referred to as the diver's "comfort zone." I prefer to call this the "personal safety envelope." A diver's personal safety envelope is defined by a variety of things including their training, experience, and the equipment or technology they use.

Training. Most entry-level training programs prepare divers to enjoy the open water within 60 feet/ 18 meters of the surface and in conditions that are relatively benign: good visibility, minimal current and wave action, and comfortable water conditions. The diver is then qualified under those kinds of conditions.

Dives made outside those conditions require skills different from those divers learned during their training or through experience. Thus, they may have a greater risk of injury. A diver who has made certification dives in July in the warm waters of the Florida Keys and then attempts a dive in a Midwest quarry may find diving below the thermocline and in limited visibility considerably more stressful, even at depths shallower than he had experienced previously. It's better to gain experience in conditions similar to your training before attempting to venture into new and different situations. Before trying new situations, get additional training - continuing diver education - or dive under the supervision of a qualified instructor or divemaster. Despite the old adage, "Experience is the best teacher," experience alone cannot beat a good instructor.

What's probably more important is the equally old adage, "Practice makes perfect' " Actually, it's not just practice but rather practice using the right skills. It's important to reinforce the correct skills through regular practice so they become habits and can be performed correctly even in less-than-perfect conditions. This is also an important consideration for the individuals you dive with. It is always good to know that, in a crisis, your buddy has the same habits and skills that you have. So practice critical skills often. As an example, when I prepare for dives in limited visibility, my buddy and I practice skills (e.g., buddy checks, hand signals and the exchange of air) with our eyes closed.

Equipment / Technology. I'm sure you've heard many times that we should use the right tool for the right job: the same applies to diving. Your equipment (including the gas you breathe) are all tools. When you're planning a dive, part of that planning process should involve a comprehensive look at all aspects of the dive to make sure that you have the right equipment and the correct configuration for the dive. For example, if you choose to extend your bottom time by using a tool such as a nitrox blend, you will need the appropriate training and equipment to do it safely. If you choose to explore the world of overhead environments, the appropriate specialized training and equipment is necessary.

When you take a close look at the DAN injury data, you will see that a significant number of injured divers have decided to extend their range of diving opportunities without considering their training, experience and equipment. Pushing to the very edge of the envelope can be a dangerous endeavor, resulting in serious injury for you and those who choose to dive with you.

Diving more and diving more often is a sure-fire way to reinforce your personal safety envelope, preparing you to fully and safely enjoy the exciting challenges the recreational diving world has to offer.

January 2002

You are
viewer number

Content-type: text/html